# Cursor Howto

> Learn Cursor fast: structured tutorials, Mermaid diagrams, and production-style configs for Rules, AGENTS.md, MCP, and automation patterns. Maintained by Evoveo Tech.

- **Type:** MCP server
- **Install:** `agentstack add mcp-evoveotech-cursor-howto`
- **Verified:** Yes — security-reviewed for prompt injection and unsafe behavior
- **Seller:** [evoveotech](https://agentstack.voostack.com/s/evoveotech)
- **Installs:** 0
- **Category:** [Integrations](https://agentstack.voostack.com/c/integrations)
- **Latest version:** 0.1.0
- **License:** MIT
- **Upstream author:** [evoveotech](https://github.com/evoveotech)
- **Source:** https://github.com/evoveotech/cursor-howto
- **Website:** https://github.com/evoveotech/cursor-howto

## Install

```sh
agentstack add mcp-evoveotech-cursor-howto
```

Requires the [AgentStack CLI](https://agentstack.voostack.com/docs/cli). Works with Claude Code, Cursor, and any MCP-compatible agent.

## About

Steal My Cursor Setup

  Installable AI workflows used by real engineers.
  One copy command. 60 seconds. Your Cursor becomes a senior dev teammate.

  
  
  
  
  

  Stacks •
  Try It Now •
  Leaderboard •
  War Stories •
  Learning Path

---

## Table of Contents

- [Try It Now](#-try-it-now)
- [What You Get](#-what-you-get)
- [Install a Complete Stack](#-install-a-complete-stack)
- [Speed Run Leaderboard](#-speed-run-leaderboard)
- [What Can You Build?](#-what-can-you-build-with-this)
- [Get Started in 15 Minutes](#-get-started-in-15-minutes)
- [Not Sure Where to Start?](#-not-sure-where-to-start)
- [FAQ](#-faq)
- [Contributing](#contributing)

---

## ⚡ Try It Now

**One file. Copy, paste, done.** Pick your quick win:

| Quick Win | What It Does | Copy This |
|-----------|-------------|-----------|
| **Auto code review** | `/review` analyzes your PR for bugs, style, security | [`01-slash-commands/review.md`](01-slash-commands/review.md) |
| **Never write docs again** | `/docs` generates API docs from your code | [`01-slash-commands/generate-api-docs.md`](01-slash-commands/generate-api-docs.md) |
| **AI teammate in your repo** | Project memory so Cursor knows your stack | [`02-memory/project-CURSOR.md`](02-memory/project-CURSOR.md) |
| **Auto-invoked skills** | Cursor runs checks without you asking | [`03-skills/code-review/`](03-skills/code-review/) |

**30-second setup:**
```bash
# 1. Copy a command into your project
cp 01-slash-commands/optimize.md .cursor/commands/

# 2. In Cursor, type:
# /optimize

# 3. Watch it analyze your code automatically
```

Want the full arsenal? See [Get Started in 15 Minutes](#get-started-in-15-minutes).

---

## 🎯 What You Get

This isn't documentation. It's **templates you paste into your project and use today**.

| | Official Docs | This Guide |
|--|---------------|------------|
| **Format** | Reference docs | **Copy-paste templates with Mermaid diagrams** |
| **Examples** | "Hello world" | **Production-ready `/review` and `/deploy` commands** |
| **Depth** | What it is | **How to wire 5 features into an automated pipeline** |
| **Time to value** | Hours of reading | **30 seconds to first win** |
| **Learning** | Self-directed | **Progressive path + self-assessment quiz** |

### Templates included:
- **8 slash commands** — `/optimize`, `/pr`, `/review`, `/docs`, `/commit`, `/push-all`
- **3 skills** — auto-invoked code review, brand voice checker, doc generator
- **5 subagents** — security reviewer, test engineer, documentation writer
- **4 MCP configs** — GitHub, database, filesystem, multi-server
- **6 hooks** — auto-format, security scan, pre-commit validation
- **3 plugins** — complete PR review, devops, documentation bundles

**[Browse the Full Catalog →](CATALOG.md)**

---

## 🧱 Install a Complete Stack

A **stack** is a complete, tested, versioned Cursor workflow. Not one file — a system.

Copy a stack into your project. It's immediately useful.

| Stack | What It Does | Install | Time | Saved/Week |
|-------|-------------|---------|------|------------|
| **PR Review** | AI reviews code for bugs, security, performance before human review | `cp -r stacks/pr-review/v1.0.0/* .` | 60s | 3 hrs |
| **Team Onboard** | Project memory + standards. New hires productive on day 1 | `cp -r stacks/team-onboard/v1.0.0/* .` | 45s | 2 hrs |
| **Auto Docs** | Generate API docs, README updates, changelogs from code | `cp -r stacks/auto-docs/v1.0.0/* .` | 30s | 2 hrs |

Each stack includes: commands + agents + memory + hooks + MCP config + documentation.  
See [`stacks/registry.json`](stacks/registry.json) for full specs.

**[View War Stories →](war-stories/)** — Real results from real teams.

---

## 🏆 Speed Run Leaderboard

How fast can you set up a working Cursor workflow? Time yourself. Submit your PR.

| Rank | Stack | Time | Setup Method | Submitted By |
|------|-------|------|--------------|--------------|
| 🥇 | PR Review | **47s** | Manual copy | evoveotech |
| 🥈 | Auto Docs | **52s** | Manual copy | evoveotech |
| 🥉 | Team Onboard | **61s** | Manual copy | evoveotech |

**Rules:**
1. Clone repo → copy stack → verify `/review` (or stack's test command) works
2. Screenshot terminal showing elapsed time
3. Submit PR adding your row to this table
4. No shortcuts — must actually test the command

**[Submit Your Time →](CONTRIBUTING.md#speed-run-submissions)**

---

## 🏗️ What Can You Build With This?

| Use Case | Features You'll Combine | Time to Set Up |
|----------|------------------------|----------------|
| **Automated Code Review** | Slash Commands + Subagents + Memory + MCP | 5 min |
| **Team Onboarding** | Memory + Slash Commands + Plugins | 10 min |
| **CI/CD Automation** | CLI Reference + Hooks + Background Tasks | 15 min |
| **Documentation Generation** | Skills + Subagents + Plugins | 5 min |
| **Security Audits** | Subagents + Skills + Hooks (read-only mode) | 5 min |
| **DevOps Pipelines** | Plugins + MCP + Hooks + Background Tasks | 20 min |
| **Complex Refactoring** | Checkpoints + Planning Mode + Hooks | 10 min |

---

## 🚀 Get Started in 15 Minutes

```bash
# 1. Clone the guide
git clone https://github.com/evoveotech/cursor-howto.git
cd cursor-howto

# 2. Copy your first slash command
mkdir -p /path/to/your-project/.cursor/commands
cp 01-slash-commands/optimize.md /path/to/your-project/.cursor/commands/

# 3. Try it — in Cursor, type:
# /optimize

# 4. Ready for more? Set up project memory:
cp 02-memory/project-CURSOR.md /path/to/your-project/CURSOR.md

# 5. Install a skill:
cp -r 03-skills/code-review ~/.cursor/skills/
```

**Full 1-hour setup:**
```bash
# Slash commands (15 min)
cp 01-slash-commands/*.md .cursor/commands/

# Project memory (15 min)
cp 02-memory/project-CURSOR.md ./CURSOR.md

# Install a skill (15 min)
cp -r 03-skills/code-review ~/.cursor/skills/

# Weekend goal: add hooks, subagents, MCP, and plugins
```

**[View the Full Installation Reference](#get-started-in-15-minutes)**

---

## 🧭 Not Sure Where to Start?

| Level | You can... | Start here | Time |
|-------|-----------|------------|------|
| **Beginner** | Start Cursor and chat | [Slash Commands](01-slash-commands/) | ~2.5 hours |
| **Intermediate** | Use CURSOR.md and custom commands | [Skills](03-skills/) | ~3.5 hours |
| **Advanced** | Configure MCP servers and hooks | [Advanced Features](09-advanced-features/) | ~5 hours |

Take the [self-assessment quiz](LEARNING-ROADMAP.md#-find-your-level) or run `/self-assessment` in Cursor.

**[Complete Learning Roadmap →](LEARNING-ROADMAP.md)**

---

## 🌟 Community Showcase

Real setups from real developers. [Submit yours →](CONTRIBUTING.md)

*Want to be featured? Share your setup in [Discussions](https://github.com/evoveotech/cursor-howto/discussions).*

---

## 📋 FAQ

**Is this free?**
Yes. MIT licensed. Use it anywhere — personal, work, team. Just include the license notice.

**How is this different from the official docs?**
The official docs are a feature reference. This is a **template library** — copy files into your project and they work immediately. They complement each other.

**How long to go through everything?**
11-13 hours for the full path. But you'll get value in **30 seconds** — just copy one command template.

**Can I use this with my model?**
Yes. All templates work with GPT-4, Claude, Gemini, and other models configured in Cursor.

**Can I contribute?**
Absolutely. See [CONTRIBUTING.md](CONTRIBUTING.md). We welcome new examples, bug fixes, and real-world configurations.

**How do I see how many people visited this repo?**
The visitor badge at the top of this README shows total unique visitors. As the repo owner, you can also see detailed analytics (clones, referrers, popular content) in GitHub → Insights → Traffic. These metrics help us understand which stacks and tutorials are most useful.

**Can I read this offline?**
Yes. Run `uv run scripts/build_epub.py` to generate an EPUB ebook with all content.

---

## 🛠️ Built and Maintained by

**Evoveo Tech** (**EVOVEO INNOVATIONS LIMITED**) — for developers who want Cursor to work harder.

*Structure inspired by [luongnv89/claude-howto](https://github.com/luongnv89/claude-howto).*

**Scope:** This guide targets the **Cursor IDE** (editor), in-app **Cursor** agent/chat workflows, and the **Cursor CLI** where documented. Module layouts (e.g. `.cursor/commands/`, `CURSOR.md`) are **tutorial conventions**; map them to **Rules**, **`AGENTS.md`**, and **Cursor Settings** as described in [docs/CURSOR_SCOPE.md](docs/CURSOR_SCOPE.md) and the [official docs](https://docs.cursor.com).

---

**Last Updated**: March 2026  
**Cursor Version**: 2.1+  
**Compatible Models**: GPT-4, Claude, Gemini, and other models (configure in Cursor)

---

Quick Navigation — All Features

| Feature | Description | Folder |
|---------|-------------|--------|
| **Feature Catalog** | Complete reference with installation commands | [CATALOG.md](CATALOG.md) |
| **Slash Commands** | User-invoked shortcuts | [01-slash-commands/](01-slash-commands/) |
| **Memory** | Persistent context | [02-memory/](02-memory/) |
| **Skills** | Reusable capabilities | [03-skills/](03-skills/) |
| **Subagents** | Specialized AI assistants | [04-subagents/](04-subagents/) |
| **MCP Protocol** | External tool access | [05-mcp/](05-mcp/) |
| **Hooks** | Event-driven automation | [06-hooks/](06-hooks/) |
| **Plugins** | Bundled features | [07-plugins/](07-plugins/) |
| **Checkpoints** | Session snapshots & rewind | [08-checkpoints/](08-checkpoints/) |
| **Advanced Features** | Planning, thinking, background tasks | [09-advanced-features/](09-advanced-features/) |
| **CLI Reference** | Commands, flags, and options | [10-cli/](10-cli/) |
| **Evoveo Tech** | Organization & updates | [github.com/evoveotech](https://github.com/evoveotech) |

Feature Comparison

| Feature | Invocation | Persistence | Best For |
|---------|-----------|------------|----------|
| **Slash Commands** | Manual (`/cmd`) | Session only | Quick shortcuts |
| **Memory** | Auto-loaded | Cross-session | Long-term learning |
| **Skills** | Auto-invoked | Filesystem | Automated workflows |
| **Subagents** | Auto-delegated | Isolated context | Task distribution |
| **MCP Protocol** | Auto-queried | Real-time | Live data access |
| **Hooks** | Event-triggered | Configured | Automation & validation |
| **Plugins** | One command | All features | Complete solutions |
| **Checkpoints** | Manual/Auto | Session-based | Safe experimentation |
| **Planning Mode** | Manual/Auto | Plan phase | Complex implementations |
| **Background Tasks** | Manual | Task duration | Long-running operations |
| **CLI Reference** | Terminal commands | Session/Script | Automation & scripting |

Installation Quick Reference

```bash
# Slash Commands
cp 01-slash-commands/*.md .cursor/commands/

# Memory
cp 02-memory/project-CURSOR.md ./CURSOR.md

# Skills
cp -r 03-skills/code-review ~/.cursor/skills/

# Subagents
cp 04-subagents/*.md .cursor/agents/

# MCP
export GITHUB_TOKEN="token"
cursor mcp add github -- npx -y @modelcontextprotocol/server-github

# Hooks
mkdir -p ~/.cursor/hooks
cp 06-hooks/*.sh ~/.cursor/hooks/
chmod +x ~/.cursor/hooks/*.sh

# Plugins
/plugin install pr-review

# Checkpoints (auto-enabled, configure in settings)
# See 08-checkpoints/README.md

# Advanced Features (configure in settings)
# See 09-advanced-features/config-examples.json

# CLI Reference (no installation needed)
# See 10-cli/README.md for usage examples
```

01. Slash Commands

**Location**: [01-slash-commands/](01-slash-commands/)

**What**: User-invoked shortcuts stored as Markdown files

**Examples**:
- `optimize.md` - Code optimization analysis
- `pr.md` - Pull request preparation
- `generate-api-docs.md` - API documentation generator

**Installation**:
```bash
cp 01-slash-commands/*.md /path/to/project/.cursor/commands/
```

**Usage**:
```
/optimize
/pr
/generate-api-docs
```

**Learn More**: [Cursor documentation — Rules & commands](https://docs.cursor.com/context/rules)

02. Memory

**Location**: [02-memory/](02-memory/)

**What**: Persistent context across sessions

**Examples**:
- `project-CURSOR.md` - Team-wide project standards
- `directory-api-CURSOR.md` - Directory-specific rules
- `personal-CURSOR.md` - Personal preferences

**Installation**:
```bash
# Project memory
cp 02-memory/project-CURSOR.md /path/to/project/CURSOR.md

# Directory memory
cp 02-memory/directory-api-CURSOR.md /path/to/project/src/api/CURSOR.md

# Personal memory
cp 02-memory/personal-CURSOR.md ~/.cursor/CURSOR.md
```

**Usage**: Automatically loaded by Cursor

03. Skills

**Location**: [03-skills/](03-skills/)

**What**: Reusable, auto-invoked capabilities with instructions and scripts

**Examples**:
- `code-review/` - Comprehensive code review with scripts
- `brand-voice/` - Brand voice consistency checker
- `doc-generator/` - API documentation generator

**Installation**:
```bash
# Personal skills
cp -r 03-skills/code-review ~/.cursor/skills/

# Project skills
cp -r 03-skills/code-review /path/to/project/.cursor/skills/
```

**Usage**: Automatically invoked when relevant

04. Subagents

**Location**: [04-subagents/](04-subagents/)

**What**: Specialized AI assistants with isolated contexts and custom prompts

**Examples**:
- `code-reviewer.md` - Comprehensive code quality analysis
- `test-engineer.md` - Test strategy and coverage
- `documentation-writer.md` - Technical documentation
- `secure-reviewer.md` - Security-focused review (read-only)
- `implementation-agent.md` - Full feature implementation

**Installation**:
```bash
cp 04-subagents/*.md /path/to/project/.cursor/agents/
```

**Usage**: Automatically delegated by main agent

05. MCP Protocol

**Location**: [05-mcp/](05-mcp/)

**What**: Model Context Protocol for accessing external tools and APIs

**Examples**:
- `github-mcp.json` - GitHub integration
- `database-mcp.json` - Database queries
- `filesystem-mcp.json` - File operations
- `multi-mcp.json` - Multiple MCP servers

**Installation**:
```bash
# Set environment variables
export GITHUB_TOKEN="your_token"
export DATABASE_URL="postgresql://..."

# Add MCP server via CLI
cursor mcp add github -- npx -y @modelcontextprotocol/server-github

# Or add to project .mcp.json manually (see 05-mcp/ for examples)
```

**Usage**: MCP tools are automatically available to Cursor once configured

06. Hooks

**Location**: [06-hooks/](06-hooks/)

**What**: Event-driven shell commands that execute automatically in response to Cursor events

**Examples**:
- `format-code.sh` - Auto-format code before writing
- `pre-commit.sh` - Run tests before commits
- `security-scan.sh` - Scan for security issues
- `log-bash.sh` - Log all bash commands
- `validate-prompt.sh` - Validate user prompts
- `notify-team.sh` - Send notifications on events

**Installation**:
```bash
mkdir -p ~/.cursor/hooks
cp 06-hooks/*.sh ~/.cursor/hooks/
chmod +x ~/.cursor/hooks/*.sh
```

Configure hooks in `~/.cursor/settings.json`:
```json
{
  "hooks": {
    "PreToolUse": [{
      "matcher": "Write",
      "hooks": ["~/.cursor/hooks/format-code.sh"]
    }],
    "PostToolUse": [{
      "matcher": "Write",
      "hooks": ["~/.cursor/hooks/security-scan.sh"]
    }]
  }
}
```

**Usage**: Hooks execute automatically on events

**Hook Types** (4 types, 25 events):
- **Tool Hooks**: `PreToolUse`, `PostToolUse`, `PostToolUseFailure`, `PermissionRequest`
- **Session Hooks**: `SessionStart`, `SessionEnd`, `Stop`, `StopFailure`, `SubagentStart`, `SubagentStop`
- **Task Hooks**: `UserPromptSubmit`, `TaskCompleted`, `TaskCreated`, `TeammateIdle`
- **Lifecycle Hooks**: `ConfigChange`, `CwdChanged`, `FileChanged`, `PreCompact`, `PostCompact`, `WorktreeCreate`, `WorktreeRemove`, `Notification`, `InstructionsLoaded`, `Elicitation`, `ElicitationResult`

07. Plugins

**Location**: [07-plugins/](07-plugins/)

**What**: Bundled collections of commands, agents, MCP, and hooks

**Examples**:
- `pr-review/` - Complete PR review workflow
- `devops-automation/` - Deployment

…

## Source & license

This open-source MCP server is cataloged on AgentStack and links to its original source — we do not rehost the code.

- **Author:** [evoveotech](https://github.com/evoveotech)
- **Source:** [evoveotech/cursor-howto](https://github.com/evoveotech/cursor-howto)
- **License:** MIT
- **Homepage:** https://github.com/evoveotech/cursor-howto

Install and usage instructions live in the source repository linked above.

## Pricing

- **Free** — Free

## Security capabilities

Automated source analysis of v0.1.0 — what this tool can access:

- **Network access:** no
- **Filesystem access:** no
- **Shell / process execution:** no
- **Environment & secrets:** no
- **Dynamic code execution:** no

*"Yes" means the capability is present in the source — more access means more to trust, not that it is unsafe.*


## Versions

- **0.1.0** — security scan: passed — Imported from the upstream source.

## Links

- Listing page: https://agentstack.voostack.com/l/mcp-evoveotech-cursor-howto
- Seller: https://agentstack.voostack.com/s/evoveotech
- Browse the marketplace: https://agentstack.voostack.com/browse

---
Listed on AgentStack — the marketplace for AI agent skills and MCP servers. Every listing is security-reviewed. Creators keep 70%.