Cursor Tips - AI-Enhanced Development Mastery Guide

"AI is the pen, you are the author."

This is everything I have tried and applied, and only the things that actually worked are included here. Always keep your knowledge and experience one step above what AI-generated code produces so you can guide it and work with it. Do not reject it completely, but also do not rely on it blindly.

It is like moving from digging soil with a hand hoe to being given a power tiller: learn to drive it, control it with your own skills and experience, and get the best results. Do not let it drive itself and wreck everything, and do not refuse to use it just to go back to manual labor again.

🎯 What is Cursor Tips?

Cursor Tips is a comprehensive, level-based system for mastering AI-enhanced development workflows in the Cursor IDE. This guide transforms developers from AI beginners to expert practitioners through structured learning paths, practical tools, and proven methodologies.

🗺️ Learning Journey Overview

graph TD
    Start[🚀 Start Your Journey] --> Choose{Choose Your Path}
    
    Choose -->|"New to AI Development"| Beginner[🌱 Beginner Level]
    Choose -->|"Some AI Experience"| Intermediate[🏗️ Intermediate Level] 
    Choose -->|"Advanced AI User"| Advanced[🚀 Advanced Level]
    
    Beginner --> B1[📚 Planning Templates]
    Beginner --> B2[🎨 Mermaid Charts]
    Beginner --> B3[🧠 Core Protocols]
    Beginner --> B4[💬 Prompt Optimization]
    
    Intermediate --> I1[🏗️ Context Engineering]
    Intermediate --> I2[⚙️ Custom Mode Setup]
    Intermediate --> I3[🔗 MCP Integration]
    
    Advanced --> A1[🏦 Memory Banking System]
    Advanced --> A2[🎬 Real-World Examples]
    Advanced --> A3[💰 Cost Optimization]
    Advanced --> A4[🎭 Creative Applications]
    
    B4 --> Intermediate
    I3 --> Advanced
    A4 --> Master[🎓 AI Development Master]
    
    classDef start fill:#ff6b6b,stroke:#c92a2a,stroke-width:3px,color:#fff
    classDef level fill:#4ecdc4,stroke:#26a69a,stroke-width:2px,color:#fff
    classDef skill fill:#ffe66d,stroke:#ffc947,stroke-width:2px,color:#000
    classDef master fill:#9f39ff,stroke:#7c2d12,stroke-width:3px,color:#fff
    
    class Start start
    class Beginner,Intermediate,Advanced level
    class B1,B2,B3,B4,I1,I2,I3,A1,A2,A3,A4 skill
    class Master master

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🌱 Beginner Level - Foundation Skills

Perfect for developers new to AI-assisted development

📋 What You'll Learn (Click to expand)

• Planning Templates: Structured approach to project planning with AI
• Mermaid Charts: Visual communication and diagram creation
• Core Protocols: Multi-dimensional thinking methodology
• Prompt Optimization: Better AI interaction techniques

Time Investment: 2-4 hours
Prerequisites: Basic programming knowledge, Cursor IDE installed

🎯 Quick Start Guide

graph LR
    Start[Start Here] --> Templates[📚 Planning Templates]
    Templates --> Charts[🎨 Mermaid Charts]
    Charts --> Protocols[🧠 Core Protocols]
    Protocols --> Optimize[💬 Prompt Optimization]
    Optimize --> Ready[✅ Ready for Intermediate]
    
    classDef step fill:#22c55e,stroke:#16a34a,color:white
    classDef ready fill:#3b82f6,stroke:#1e40af,color:white
    
    class Start,Templates,Charts,Protocols,Optimize step
    class Ready ready

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📚 Core Components

1. Planning Templates (`beginner/guide-prompt-template/`)

Location: beginner/guide-prompt-template/planning-template-example.md

Master structured project planning with AI assistance:

• ✅ RIPER-5 + Multi-Dimensional Thinking integration
• ✅ Mode-based execution workflow (Planning → Execution → Review)
• ✅ Mandatory Mermaid diagram requirements
• ✅ Continuation resilience for long projects

Quick Start:

1. Copy the template
2. Adapt for your project
3. Use with AI assistant
4. Iterate and improve

2. Mermaid Chart Mastery (`beginner/guide-prompt-template/`)

Location: beginner/guide-prompt-template/prompt-guide-mermaid-chart.md

Create professional diagrams and flowcharts:

• 🎨 Color Palette Standards: Consistent project styling
• 🔧 Syntax & Error Fixes: Common issues and solutions
• 📊 Chart Types: Flowcharts, sequences, timelines, and more
• 🚀 Advanced Techniques: Interactive and complex diagrams

Quick Start:

1. Learn basic syntax
2. Practice with examples
3. Apply color standards
4. Test in Mermaid Live Editor

3. Multi-Dimensional Thinking Protocol (`beginner/custom-rules/`)

Location: beginner/custom-rules/rule-21-05-2025.md

Master systematic problem-solving with 7 patterns:

graph TD
    Protocol[🧠 Multi-Dimensional Protocol] --> P1[1. Research]
    Protocol --> P2[2. Innovation]
    Protocol --> P3[3. Planning]
    Protocol --> P4[4. Verification]
    Protocol --> P5[5. Execution]
    Protocol --> P6[6. Review]
    Protocol --> P7[7. Intelligence]
    
    P1 --> R[Gather deep understanding]
    P2 --> I[Generate ≥2 solutions]
    P3 --> PL[Create detailed specs]
    P4 --> V[Fact-check everything]
    P5 --> E[Implement with fidelity]
    P6 --> RE[Validate results]
    P7 --> IN[Complete workflow mastery]
    
    classDef protocol fill:#9f39ff,stroke:#7c2d12,color:white
    classDef pattern fill:#4da6ff,stroke:#0066cc,color:white
    
    class Protocol protocol
    class P1,P2,P3,P4,P5,P6,P7,R,I,PL,V,E,RE,IN pattern

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4. Prompt Optimization (`beginner/optimize-prompt-chat/`)

Location: beginner/optimize-prompt-chat/prompt-enhancer.md

Transform basic prompts into powerful AI interactions:

• 🎯 Clarity Techniques: Clear, specific instructions
• 🔄 Iterative Improvement: Refine prompts through testing
• 📝 Context Management: Provide relevant background
• ⚡ Efficiency Patterns: Get better results faster

✅ Beginner Level Completion Checklist

• Successfully used planning templates for a project
• Created error-free Mermaid diagrams with proper styling
• Applied multi-dimensional thinking to solve a problem
• Optimized prompts for better AI responses
• Ready to advance to Intermediate level

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🏗️ Intermediate Level - Professional Workflows

For developers ready to implement advanced AI collaboration patterns

🎯 What You'll Master (Click to expand)

• Context Engineering: Systematic AI context management
• Custom Mode Setup: 6-mode development workflow system
• MCP Integration: Model Context Protocol for enhanced AI collaboration

Time Investment: 4-8 hours
Prerequisites: Completed Beginner level or equivalent experience

🛠️ Professional Development Path

graph TD
    Entry[🚪 Enter Intermediate] --> Context[🏗️ Context Engineering]
    Context --> Modes[⚙️ Custom Mode Setup]
    Modes --> MCP[🔗 MCP Integration]
    MCP --> Advanced[🚀 Ready for Advanced]
    
    Context --> ContextSub[PRD • Documentation • Rules]
    Modes --> ModesSub[VAN • PLAN • CREATIVE • IMPLEMENT • REFLECT • ARCHIVE]
    MCP --> MCPSub[Sequential Thinking • Context Management]
    
    classDef main fill:#3b82f6,stroke:#1e40af,color:white
    classDef sub fill:#10b981,stroke:#047857,color:white
    classDef ready fill:#ff6b6b,stroke:#c92a2a,color:white
    
    class Entry,Context,Modes,MCP main
    class ContextSub,ModesSub,MCPSub sub
    class Advanced ready

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🏗️ Core Systems

1. Context Engineering (`intermediate/context-engineer/`)

Revolutionary AI Context Management System

Transform from prompt engineering to systematic context window management:

📋 Core Components:

• PRD-Based Planning: Product Requirements Document foundation
• Four-File Documentation: Implementation, Structure, UI/UX, Bug Tracking
• Context Window Management: Strategic information organization
• Phase-Based Workflow: Context Generation → Development → Ongoing

🚀 Quick Setup:

1. Read intermediate/context-engineer/guide.md
2. Create your first PRD using the template
3. Generate the four documentation files
4. Apply to a real project

💡 Key Benefits:

• Eliminate AI hallucinations through proper context
• Systematic project initialization
• Better context window management
• Foundation for advanced workflows

2. Custom Mode Setup (`intermediate/setup-custom-mode/`)

6-Mode Development Workflow System

Professional AI-enhanced development with distinct operational modes:

graph LR
    VAN[🔍 VAN<br/>Verification & Analysis] --> PLAN[📋 PLAN<br/>Strategic Planning]
    PLAN --> CREATIVE[🎨 CREATIVE<br/>Design Decisions]
    CREATIVE --> IMPLEMENT[⚙️ IMPLEMENT<br/>Development]
    IMPLEMENT --> REFLECT[🤔 REFLECT<br/>Review & Learning]
    REFLECT --> ARCHIVE[📦 ARCHIVE<br/>Knowledge Storage]
    
    classDef mode fill:#4da6ff,stroke:#0066cc,color:white
    class VAN,PLAN,CREATIVE,IMPLEMENT,REFLECT,ARCHIVE mode

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🛠️ Setup Process:

1. Copy isolation rules: cp -r advanced/memory-banking/isolation_rules .cursor/rules
2. Configure each mode using guides in intermediate/setup-custom-mode/
3. Test with commands: VAN, PLAN, CREATIVE, IMPLEMENT, QA

Available Modes:

• VAN Mode: Project analysis and verification
• PLAN Mode: Strategic planning and task breakdown
• CREATIVE Mode: Design and architecture decisions
• IMPLEMENT Mode: Development execution
• REFLECT Mode: Post-implementation analysis
• ARCHIVE Mode: Knowledge preservation

3. MCP Integration (`intermediate/setup-mcp-tool/`)

Model Context Protocol for Enhanced AI Collaboration

Advanced AI collaboration features:

• 🧠 Sequential Thinking: Step-by-step reasoning
• 📚 Context Management: Large context handling
• 🔄 Multi-Tool Workflows: Integrated tool usage
• ⚡ Workflow Automation: Streamlined processes

Setup Guide:

1. Review intermediate/setup-mcp-tool/mcp.json
2. Configure MCP settings
3. Test sequential thinking capabilities
4. Integrate with existing workflows

📋 Detailed MCP Setup Guide: advanced/claude-code-extension/mcp/guide.md

• Complete 7-step setup process with visual guides
• Smithery.ai server selection and Context7 configuration
• Security best practices and GitHub Clone account usage
• Status verification and troubleshooting guide

✅ Intermediate Level Completion Checklist

• Implemented Context Engineering methodology
• Set up and used all 6 custom modes
• Successfully integrated MCP tools
• Applied professional workflows to real projects
• Ready to advance to Advanced level

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🚀 Advanced Level - Master Practitioner

For developers ready to achieve AI development mastery

🎯 Master-Level Capabilities (Click to expand)

• Memory Banking System: Ultimate AI-enhanced development framework
• Real-World Applications: Live collaboration examples and case studies
• Cost Optimization: Professional development without breaking the budget
• Creative Applications: Innovative AI use cases and role-playing

Time Investment: 8+ hours
Prerequisites: Completed Intermediate level, real project experience

🏆 Mastery Achievement Path

graph TD
    Master[🎓 Advanced Mastery] --> Memory[🏦 Memory Banking]
    Master --> Examples[🎬 Real Examples]
    Master --> Money[💰 Cost Optimization]
    Master --> Creative[🎭 Creative Applications]
    
    Memory --> MemoryComplete[Complete 6-Mode Workflow Mastery]
    Examples --> ExamplesComplete[Live AI Collaboration Analysis]
    Money --> MoneyComplete[Professional Cost-Effective Development]
    Creative --> CreativeComplete[Innovative AI Applications]
    
    MemoryComplete --> Ultimate[🌟 AI Development Master]
    ExamplesComplete --> Ultimate
    MoneyComplete --> Ultimate
    CreativeComplete --> Ultimate
    
    classDef master fill:#9f39ff,stroke:#7c2d12,color:white
    classDef component fill:#4da6ff,stroke:#0066cc,color:white
    classDef complete fill:#22c55e,stroke:#16a34a,color:white
    classDef ultimate fill:#ff6b6b,stroke:#c92a2a,color:white
    
    class Master master
    class Memory,Examples,Money,Creative component
    class MemoryComplete,ExamplesComplete,MoneyComplete,CreativeComplete complete
    class Ultimate ultimate

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🏦 Advanced Systems

1. Memory Banking System (`advanced/memory-banking/`)

The Ultimate AI-Enhanced Development Framework

Complete workflow mastery with systematic knowledge preservation:

🔧 System Architecture:

graph LR
    VAN[🔍 VAN Mode<br/>Entry & Analysis] --> PLAN[📋 PLAN Mode<br/>Strategic Planning]
    PLAN --> CREATIVE[🎨 CREATIVE Mode<br/>Design Decisions]
    CREATIVE --> IMPLEMENT[⚙️ IMPLEMENT Mode<br/>Development]
    IMPLEMENT --> REFLECT[🤔 REFLECT Mode<br/>Analysis & Learning]
    REFLECT --> ARCHIVE[📦 ARCHIVE Mode<br/>Knowledge Storage]
    ARCHIVE --> VAN
    
    classDef mode fill:#4da6ff,stroke:#0066cc,color:white
    class VAN,PLAN,CREATIVE,IMPLEMENT,REFLECT,ARCHIVE mode

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🚀 Quick Setup:

1. Install System: cp -r advanced/memory-banking/isolation_rules .cursor/rules
2. Initialize: Use "INIT MEMORY BANKING" command
3. Start Session: Begin with VAN mode
4. Follow Workflow: VAN → PLAN → CREATIVE → IMPLEMENT → REFLECT → ARCHIVE

📋 Core Files:

• tasks.md - Current project tasks
• projectbrief.md - Project overview and goals
• activeContext.md - Current working context
• progress.md - Development progress tracking

🎯 Mastery Benefits:

• Complete project lifecycle management
• Systematic knowledge preservation
• AI-enhanced decision making
• Perfect human-AI collaboration synthesis

2. Real-World Examples (`advanced/output-planning-4.0-generate-example/`)

Live AI Collaboration Case Studies

Learn from actual Claude Sonnet 4.0 collaboration sessions:

🎬 Available Examples:

1. Backend Planning (step-1-car-stores-and-apis-planning.md)

   • API architecture design
   • Data flow visualization
   • Implementation phases

2. UI Component Planning (step-2-car-selection-component-planning.md)

   • Component architecture
   • User interaction flows
   • Accessibility considerations

3. System Integration (step-3-product-integration-planning.md)

   • Integration strategies
   • Risk mitigation
   • Testing approaches

💡 Key Learning Points:

• How to adapt templates for different project types
• Human creativity + AI systematic thinking balance
• Template flexibility and evolution
• Real-world problem-solving patterns

3. Cost Optimization (`advanced/tip-money-saving-strategy/`)

Professional Development Without Breaking the Budget

Smart resource allocation for AI-enhanced development:

💰 Cost-Saving Strategy:

• Use Gemini 2.5 Pro Preview (FREE) for planning
• Use Claude Code Extension for targeted implementation
• Avoid expensive subscriptions ($20/month = $240/year saved)

🛠️ Setup Process:

# Install Claude Code SDK
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code

# Download Claude Desktop
# Visit: https://claude.ai/download

# Authenticate
claude

📊 Workflow:

graph LR
    Plan[Plan with Gemini<br/>FREE] --> Reference[Reference with @ tags]
    Reference --> Implement[Implement with Claude Code<br/>Pay-per-use]
    Implement --> Save[Save $240/year]
    
    classDef free fill:#22c55e,stroke:#16a34a,color:white
    classDef paid fill:#3b82f6,stroke:#1e40af,color:white
    classDef savings fill:#eab308,stroke:#ca8a04,color:white
    
    class Plan free
    class Implement paid
    class Save savings

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4. Creative Applications (`advanced/funny-prompt/`)

Explore the Creative Side of AI Development

Innovative applications and role-playing scenarios:

• 🎭 Role-Playing Prompts: Creative AI interactions
• 🌍 Multi-Language Support: English and Vietnamese variations
• 🎨 Creative Templates: Inspiration for unique AI applications
• 🧪 Experimental Techniques: Push the boundaries of AI interaction

Available Content:

• prompt-role-play-en.md - English role-playing scenarios
• prompt-role-play-nho-giao-vi.md - Vietnamese cultural prompts
• test-prompt-vi/ - Vietnamese prompt testing examples

✅ Advanced Level Mastery Checklist

• Implemented complete Memory Banking workflow
• Analyzed and applied real-world collaboration examples
• Set up cost-effective development environment
• Explored creative AI applications
• Achieved synthesis of human creativity and AI systematic thinking
• YOU ARE NOW AN AI DEVELOPMENT MASTER! 🎓

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🎯 Getting Started - Choose Your Path

🤔 Not Sure Where to Start?

Take This Quick Assessment (Click to expand)

Answer these questions to find your level:

1. Have you used AI for coding before?

   • Never → Start with Beginner
   • Basic prompts → Start with Beginner
   • Some experience → Consider Intermediate

2. Can you create Mermaid diagrams?

   • No → Beginner
   • Basic → Beginner or Intermediate
   • Advanced → Intermediate or Advanced

3. Do you have structured development workflows?

   • No → Beginner
   • Basic → Intermediate
   • Advanced → Advanced

4. Have you worked with AI context management?

   • No → Intermediate (after Beginner)
   • Yes → Advanced

🚀 Quick Start Commands

Beginner Level:

# Start with planning templates
cd beginner/guide-prompt-template/
# Read planning-template-example.md

Intermediate Level:

# Begin with Context Engineering
cd intermediate/context-engineer/
# Read guide.md

Advanced Level:

# Initialize Memory Banking
cp -r advanced/memory-banking/isolation_rules .cursor/rules
# Use: "INIT MEMORY BANKING" in Cursor

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📚 Best Practices & Guidelines

🎯 Development Workflow

1. Always start with planning - Use templates and structured approaches
2. Visualize complex systems - Create Mermaid diagrams for better understanding
3. Follow systematic protocols - Apply multi-dimensional thinking
4. Document everything - Maintain comprehensive project documentation
5. Iterate and improve - Regular review and refinement cycles

🤖 AI Collaboration

• Use structured templates for consistent results
• Provide clear context and requirements
• Iterate and refine through multiple passes
• Document decisions and rationale
• Maintain quality standards throughout

🔧 Quality Assurance

• Always use Mermaid diagrams for complex workflows
• Follow the multi-dimensional thinking protocol
• Implement proper error handling and testing
• Maintain comprehensive documentation
• Regular review and improvement cycles

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🆘 Troubleshooting & Support

Common Issues & Solutions (Click to expand)

File Path Errors

• Ensure you're using the correct directory structure
• Check that files exist at specified paths
• Use absolute paths when needed

Mermaid Chart Errors

• Review syntax in beginner/guide-prompt-template/prompt-guide-mermaid-chart.md
• Test charts in Mermaid Live Editor
• Check for proper quote usage around text

Mode Configuration Issues

• Verify setup instructions in intermediate/setup-custom-mode/
• Ensure isolation rules are copied correctly
• Test each mode individually

MCP Integration Problems

• Check configuration in intermediate/setup-mcp-tool/mcp.json
• Verify MCP tools are properly installed
• Test sequential thinking capabilities

💬 Getting Help

• Review level-specific guides for detailed instructions
• Check real-world examples for practical applications
• Practice with provided templates and examples
• Join the community for support and discussions

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🎉 Next Steps

🌟 Your Journey Continues

1. 🌱 Beginner: Master beginner/ directory content
2. 🏗️ Intermediate: Progress to intermediate/ systems
3. 🚀 Advanced: Achieve mastery with advanced/ frameworks
4. 🎓 Master: Integrate all levels and teach others

🤝 Contributing

This is an open-source project. Help us improve by:

• Adding new examples and templates
• Improving documentation and guides
• Sharing your success stories
• Contributing to community discussions

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Created by: GiangBV, AuPMH
Powered by: Caffeine, Determination, AI Collaboration, and Weekend Coding Sessions
Special Thanks: vanzan01, Smithery.ai, MCP Protocol, Anthropic, and the amazing developer community

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Ready to transform your development workflow? 🚀
Choose your level above and begin your AI development mastery journey today!