> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.namastex.ai/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Cursor CLI > Setup and use Cursor's command-line agent with Forge ## 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 ```bash theme={null} npm install -g @cursor/cli ``` ```bash theme={null} cursor auth login ``` Opens browser for authentication with your Cursor account Edit `.forge/config.json`: ```json theme={null} { "llms": { "cursor": { "enabled": true, "workingDirectory": "." } } } ``` ```bash theme={null} forge task create \ --title "Test Cursor" \ --description "Create a React button component" \ --llm cursor ``` *** ## Configuration ### Basic Setup ```json theme={null} { "llms": { "cursor": { "enabled": true, "workingDirectory": "." } } } ``` ### Advanced Configuration ```json theme={null} { "llms": { "cursor": { "enabled": true, "workingDirectory": ".", "model": "claude-3.5-sonnet", // Model via your Cursor subscription "timeout": 60000, "context": { "includeOpenFiles": true, "maxFiles": 10 } } } } ``` Which model to use through Cursor Options depend on your Cursor subscription: * `claude-3.5-sonnet` (recommended) * `gpt-4-turbo` * `gpt-3.5-turbo` Base directory for Cursor operations *** ## Cursor's Strengths ### UI/UX Intuition Cursor excels at frontend work: ```bash theme={null} 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: ```bash theme={null} # 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: ```bash theme={null} 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: ```bash theme={null} # 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: | Plan | Cost | Features | | ------------ | ------------ | -------------------- | | **Free** | \$0/mo | Limited requests | | **Pro** | \$20/mo | 500 fast requests/mo | | **Business** | \$40/user/mo | Unlimited + 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 ```bash theme={null} 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 ```bash theme={null} 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 ```bash theme={null} 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 ```bash theme={null} # 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: ```bash theme={null} # 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 ```bash theme={null} # 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 ```bash theme={null} # Check remaining requests cursor quota # Output: # Fast requests: 450/500 # Resets: Jan 20, 2024 ``` ### Re-authentication If authentication expires: ```bash theme={null} # Logout cursor auth logout # Login again cursor auth login ``` *** ## Troubleshooting **Error**: "Please log in with `cursor auth login`" **Solution**: ```bash theme={null} 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: ```bash theme={null} forge task fork 1 --llm claude ``` **Error**: "cursor: command not found" **Solution**: ```bash theme={null} # Reinstall npm install -g @cursor/cli # Verify installation which cursor # Check version cursor --version ``` **Issue**: Cursor taking too long **Causes**: * 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 Cursor shines on UI/UX work: * Component creation * Styling and polish * Responsive design * Accessibility Not ideal for: Algorithms, backend logic Cursor works well with mockups: ```bash theme={null} forge task create \ --title "Build login page" \ --attach design.png \ --llm cursor ``` Visual context improves results Check usage regularly: ```bash theme={null} cursor quota ``` Plan accordingly for quota limits Use Cursor's speed advantage: ```bash theme={null} # 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 | Feature | Cursor | Claude | Gemini | GPT-4 | | ----------- | ------------- | ----------- | --------- | ----------- | | **UI/UX** | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | | **Backend** | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | | **Speed** | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | | **Cost** | Subscription | Per-token | Free/Paid | Per-token | | **Context** | Project-aware | 200K tokens | 2M tokens | 128K 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 ```bash theme={null} 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 ```bash theme={null} 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 ```bash theme={null} # 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 ```bash theme={null} 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 ```bash theme={null} 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 Create your first Cursor task Compare with other AI agents Frontend development workflows View Cursor subscription plans