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Overview

Cursor CLI is the command-line interface for Cursor’s AI coding assistant. Known for excellent UI/UX intuition and fast iteration cycles, perfect for frontend development.
Note: Cursor CLI is separate from the Cursor IDE. You can use the CLI without using the IDE!

Quick Start

1

Install Cursor CLI

npm install -g @cursor/cli
2

Authenticate

cursor auth login
Opens browser for authentication with your Cursor account
3

Configure Forge

Edit .forge/config.json:
{
  "llms": {
    "cursor": {
      "enabled": true,
      "workingDirectory": "."
    }
  }
}
4

Test Connection

forge task create \
  --title "Test Cursor" \
  --description "Create a React button component" \
  --llm cursor

Configuration

Basic Setup

{
  "llms": {
    "cursor": {
      "enabled": true,
      "workingDirectory": "."
    }
  }
}

Advanced Configuration

{
  "llms": {
    "cursor": {
      "enabled": true,
      "workingDirectory": ".",
      "model": "claude-3.5-sonnet",  // Model via your Cursor subscription
      "timeout": 60000,
      "context": {
        "includeOpenFiles": true,
        "maxFiles": 10
      }
    }
  }
}
model
string
Which model to use through CursorOptions depend on your Cursor subscription:
  • claude-3.5-sonnet (recommended)
  • gpt-4-turbo
  • gpt-3.5-turbo
workingDirectory
string
default:"."
Base directory for Cursor operations

Cursor’s Strengths

UI/UX Intuition

Cursor excels at frontend work:
forge task create \
  --title "Create user profile card" \
  --description "
  Build a user profile card component with:
  - Avatar image
  - Name and bio
  - Social links
  - Follow button

  Make it responsive and accessible.
  " \
  --llm cursor
Result: Cursor creates beautiful, accessible UI with proper ARIA labels, responsive design, and smooth animations.

Rapid Iteration

Fast feedback loops:
# Initial version
forge task create "Add dark mode toggle" --llm cursor

# Quick iteration
forge task fork 1 --llm cursor \
  --description "Make it smoother with animation"

# Another iteration
forge task fork 1 --llm cursor \
  --description "Add system preference detection"

Context Awareness

Cursor understands your project structure:
forge task create \
  --title "Add new API endpoint" \
  --description "Create /api/users endpoint following existing patterns" \
  --llm cursor
Cursor will:
  • Match your existing code style
  • Follow your project’s patterns
  • Use the same libraries and frameworks
  • Maintain consistency

Cursor’s Weaknesses

Less Depth on Algorithms

For complex algorithmic problems, use Claude or GPT-4:
# Better with Claude
forge task create \
  --title "Implement optimal pathfinding algorithm" \
  --llm claude  # Not cursor

Subscription Required

Unlike API-based agents, Cursor requires an active subscription:
PlanCostFeatures
Free$0/moLimited requests
Pro$20/mo500 fast requests/mo
Business$40/user/moUnlimited + priority

Tied to Cursor Ecosystem

  • Requires Cursor account
  • Uses Cursor’s model selection
  • Can’t switch models without subscription change

Pricing

Cursor uses a subscription model, not pay-per-token:
Cursor Pro ($20/month):
├── 500 fast premium requests
├── Unlimited slow requests
├── Claude 3.5 Sonnet access
├── GPT-4 access
└── Priority support

Forge integration = No additional cost!
Unlike Claude/GPT-4 where you pay per token, Cursor’s flat rate can be more economical for heavy usage!

Best Use Cases

Frontend Development

forge task create \
  --title "Build product listing page" \
  --description "
  Grid layout with:
  - Product cards (image, title, price)
  - Filters (category, price range)
  - Sorting options
  - Pagination
  - Mobile responsive
  " \
  --llm cursor

Component Creation

forge task create \
  --title "Create reusable modal component" \
  --description "
  Modal with:
  - Backdrop click to close
  - ESC key to close
  - Focus trap
  - Accessible (ARIA)
  - Smooth animations
  " \
  --llm cursor

Styling & Polish

forge task create \
  --title "Improve button hover states" \
  --description "
  Add smooth transitions and better visual feedback
  to all buttons in src/components/
  " \
  --llm cursor

Integration with Forge

Using in Tasks

# Basic usage
forge task create "Add navigation bar" --llm cursor

# With specific instructions
forge task create \
  --title "Refactor forms to use React Hook Form" \
  --llm cursor \
  --files "src/forms/**/*.tsx"

# With design reference
forge task create \
  --title "Implement this design" \
  --attach mockup.png \
  --llm cursor

Combining with Other Agents

Use Cursor for UI, Claude for logic:
# Step 1: Claude designs the API
forge task create \
  --title "Design GraphQL schema" \
  --llm claude

# Step 2: Cursor builds the UI
forge task create \
  --title "Build GraphQL query components" \
  --llm cursor

Authentication

Initial Setup

# Login via browser
cursor auth login

# Verify authentication
cursor auth status

# Output:
# ✓ Logged in as user@example.com
# ✓ Pro subscription active
# ✓ 450/500 fast requests remaining

Checking Quota

# Check remaining requests
cursor quota

# Output:
# Fast requests: 450/500
# Resets: Jan 20, 2024

Re-authentication

If authentication expires:
# Logout
cursor auth logout

# Login again
cursor auth login

Troubleshooting

Error: “Please log in with cursor auth loginSolution:
cursor auth logout
cursor auth login
Follow browser prompt to authenticate
Error: “Fast request quota exceeded”Options:
  1. Wait for monthly reset
  2. Use slow requests (automatic fallback)
  3. Upgrade to Business plan
  4. Use different agent:
    forge task fork 1 --llm claude
    
Error: “cursor: command not found”Solution:
# Reinstall
npm install -g @cursor/cli

# Verify installation
which cursor

# Check version
cursor --version
Issue: Cursor taking too longCauses:
  • Using slow requests (quota exceeded)
  • Large context window
  • Network latency
Solutions:
  • Check quota: cursor quota
  • Reduce context: use --files to limit scope
  • Wait for quota reset

Best Practices

Use for Frontend

Cursor shines on UI/UX work:
  • Component creation
  • Styling and polish
  • Responsive design
  • Accessibility
Not ideal for: Algorithms, backend logic

Provide Visual References

Cursor works well with mockups:
forge task create \
  --title "Build login page" \
  --attach design.png \
  --llm cursor
Visual context improves results

Monitor Quota

Check usage regularly:
cursor quota
Plan accordingly for quota limits

Iterate Quickly

Use Cursor’s speed advantage:
# Try, iterate, refine
forge task create "Add button" --llm cursor
forge task fork 1 --llm cursor \
  --description "Add loading state"
forge task fork 1 --llm cursor \
  --description "Add error state"

Cursor vs Other Agents

FeatureCursorClaudeGeminiGPT-4
UI/UX⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Backend⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Speed⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
CostSubscriptionPer-tokenFree/PaidPer-token
ContextProject-aware200K tokens2M tokens128K tokens
Choose Cursor for: Frontend, UI components, rapid iteration Choose Claude for: Architecture, complex logic, security Choose Gemini for: Speed, experimentation, cost Choose GPT-4 for: General purpose, documentation

Real-World Examples

Example 1: Dashboard Component

forge task create \
  --title "Build analytics dashboard" \
  --description "
  Create dashboard with:
  - 4 stat cards (users, revenue, sessions, conversion)
  - Line chart for trends
  - Table with recent activity
  - Responsive grid layout
  - Dark mode support

  Use Tailwind CSS and Recharts
  " \
  --llm cursor
Time: ~3 minutes Quality: Professional, responsive, accessible Cost: 1 fast request

Example 2: Form Component

forge task create \
  --title "Create user profile edit form" \
  --description "
  Form with:
  - Input fields: name, email, bio, avatar upload
  - Validation (email format, required fields)
  - Loading state during submission
  - Success/error messages
  - Accessible form controls
  " \
  --llm cursor
Time: ~2 minutes Quality: Comprehensive validation, great UX Cost: 1 fast request

Tips for Better Results

Be Specific About Design

# Good ✅
forge task create \
  --title "Add pricing cards" \
  --description "
  3 pricing tiers (Basic, Pro, Enterprise)
  - Vertical cards on mobile
  - Horizontal comparison on desktop
  - Highlight 'Pro' tier
  - Include feature lists
  - Use brand colors: #FF00FF, #00FFFF
  " \
  --llm cursor

# Bad ❌
forge task create \
  --title "pricing page" \
  --llm cursor

Reference Existing Patterns

forge task create \
  --title "Add product modal" \
  --description "
  Similar to existing CartModal in src/components/CartModal.tsx
  but for product details instead of cart
  " \
  --llm cursor

Specify Frameworks

forge task create \
  --title "Add animation to hero section" \
  --description "
  Use Framer Motion for:
  - Fade in on mount
  - Stagger child elements
  - Smooth scroll parallax
  " \
  --llm cursor

Next Steps