.cursorrules
ELI5 — The Vibe Check
Cursor's version of CLAUDE.md — a file in your project that tells the Cursor AI how to behave. You define your coding style, framework preferences, and rules. The AI reads it every time and follows your instructions. Every AI tool is getting its own rules file now.
Real Talk
.cursorrules is a project-level configuration file for the Cursor AI IDE that provides persistent context and instructions. It defines coding conventions, technology preferences, and behavioral rules that the AI follows when generating or editing code within the project.
When You'll Hear This
"Add a .cursorrules file so Cursor stops using class components." / ".cursorrules is like CLAUDE.md for Cursor users."
Related Terms
CLAUDE.md
CLAUDE.md is a special file you put in your project to give Claude Code persistent instructions — your project's personality file.
Context Engineering
The art of feeding the right information to an AI so it gives better answers.
Cursor
An AI-first code editor that's basically VS Code with superpowers.
System Prompt
A system prompt is the secret instruction manual you give the AI before the conversation starts. It sets the personality, rules, knowledge, and behavior.