Cursor can edit code quickly, but older projects contain conventions, history and edge cases. Ask it to understand the project before writing code.
Read the entry point
Find main, app, router, kernel, service provider or bootstrap files. They explain how the project starts and how dependencies are wired.
Read routes and controllers
Ask Cursor to summarize relevant routes, parameters, middleware and response format. Many mistakes come from changing the wrong entry point.
Read models and data structure
List tables, fields, relationships, defaults and nullable values before any database write.
Read tests or logs
If tests exist, ask what they cover. If not, provide error logs and reproduction steps. AI changes need a verification path.
Independently prepared by AI Islands using official product pages and public sources. Features and pricing may change; check official sites for current information.