#cursor#cli#agent

Cursor CLI Basic Usage

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The Most Common Approach: cursor agent

Run this inside your project directory:

cursor agent "Add a README to this project"
  • Interactive: the AI will ask questions and make suggestions; you can accept or reject changes
  • Context-aware: it reads files in the current directory to inform its responses and edits

One-Shot vs. Conversation

Want to delegate a task directly: Put the instruction in quotes and send it all at once.

cursor agent "Refactor the auth module to use JWT"

Want to discuss before acting: Run cursor agent without any arguments to enter conversation mode, where you can describe your requirements step by step and the AI will clarify before making changes.

Specify Which Directory to Work In

By default, it uses the current directory. To specify a path, add --path:

cursor agent "Check and fix TypeScript types" --path ./src

Quick Command Reference

Command Description
cursor agent "do something" Ask the AI to do it (can modify files)
cursor agent Enter conversation mode without a task
cursor ask "question" Ask a question only, no file edits (read-only)
cursor --help See all available options

Summary

  • Most common: cursor agent "your instruction"
  • Want to chat first: just run cursor agent
  • Ask without editing: use cursor ask "question"
  • Specify directory: add --path <path>

Next: 03-modes — Learn about the Agent / Plan / Ask modes