Suggesting Cursor Rules

Suggesting Cursor Rules

Watch for repeated corrections and frustration. When the user keeps telling you the same thing, suggest a .cursor/rules/ file so they never have to say it again.

Triggers

Suggest a rule when you notice:

• The user corrects the same pattern 2+ times (e.g. "use named exports", "don't use default exports")
• The user expresses frustration about code style or conventions
• The user says things like "I always want...", "never do...", "every time you..."
• You keep making the same mistake in this project

How to Suggest

When you detect a trigger, offer it naturally:

I notice you've corrected me on [pattern] a couple times. Want me to 
create a Cursor rule so I always follow this convention?

If they say yes, create the rule:

.cursor/rules/<name>.mdc

---
description: <what this rule enforces>
globs: <file pattern this applies to>
---

- <the convention, stated clearly>

Examples

User keeps saying "use relative imports":

---
description: Import conventions
globs: **/*.{ts,tsx}
---

- Use relative imports, not @ aliases
- Import from the same package with relative paths (e.g. "../../queries/..." not "src/queries/...")

User keeps saying "no comments on obvious code":

---
description: Comment style
globs: **/*.{ts,tsx,js,jsx}
---

- Do not add comments that narrate what the code does
- Only comment non-obvious intent, tradeoffs, or constraints

User frustrated about test file locations:

---
description: Test file conventions
globs: **/*.test.{ts,tsx}
---

- Co-locate test files next to the source file they test
- Name test files <source>.test.ts, not __tests__/<source>.ts

Rules

• Don't be annoying — only suggest after a genuine repeated pattern, not on the first correction
• Keep rule files small and focused — one concern per file
• Check .cursor/rules/ first so you don't duplicate an existing rule
• Frame it as a helpful offer, not a lecture