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Agent
An AI mode that completes complex tasks on its own by reading files, running commands, and editing code without needing step-by-step instructions.
Tab
Cursor's AI autocomplete that suggests the next lines of code as you type, based on recent edits and surrounding context. You accept a suggestion by pressing Tab.
Rules
Persistent instructions in `.cursor/rules` that shape how the AI behaves across the whole project. They encode your standards so you do not repeat them in every prompt.
MCP
Model Context Protocol. An open standard that lets an AI editor connect to external tools, APIs, and databases so the AI can call them directly from the editor.
Context
The files, code, or documents you give the AI to work with. Adding the right context means the AI works from real information instead of guessing.
Plan Mode
A mode where the AI explores a task and outlines a plan without editing any files. You review the plan and approve it before anything changes.
Codebase Indexing
Cursor builds a searchable map of your entire codebase. The AI can find relevant code by meaning, not just by file name or exact keyword match.
Composer
A Cursor mode for making edits across multiple files at once. You describe a change once and the AI updates every relevant file in a single pass.
@-Mention
A way to reference a file, folder, or symbol inside a Cursor prompt using the @ symbol. It injects that content directly into the AI's context window.
Diff View
A side-by-side comparison of the original code and the AI's proposed changes. You review what changed before accepting or rejecting anything.
Inline Edit
An edit you make by selecting a block of code and prompting the AI directly on that selection. The AI rewrites just that selection and nothing else.
Agent Mode
The full autonomous mode where the AI plans, edits files, runs commands, and checks its own work until the task is complete.
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