Cursor Tips - AI-Enhanced Development Mastery Guide

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

🎯 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

---

🏗️ 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!