Learning Timeline
Key Insights
Managing Opus 4.1 Quota
The Opus 4.1 model is extremely powerful but has very strict usage limits (it can run out in less than 4 hours). Save Opus usage for only the most critical bugs or highly complex tasks.
Model Advantages for UI
Based on this workflow, Claude is found to be significantly more efficient and accurate for User Interface (UI) related tasks compared to other models.
Pro Tip: GPT-5.1 High for Planning
While many use Sonnet for all tasks, utilizing GPT-5.1 High specifically in Plan Mode yields much higher quality logical planning before any code is written.
Step by Step
Setting Up a Hybrid Environment: Cursor & Claude Code
- Open the Cursor app and open the project folder you want to work on.
- Open the Terminal inside Cursor (usually located at the bottom).
- Click and drag the Terminal panel to the right side of the screen for a side-by-side view with your code.
- Type the command `claude` in the right-hand Terminal to run Claude Code live.
- Open the AI Chat/Composer panel in Cursor and ensure you are in 'Plan mode' (not 'Agent mode').
- Select the 'GPT-5.1 High' model in Cursor specifically for the planning phase.
- Use the 'Sonnet 4.7' model in Cursor for the execution phase after the plan is approved.
Task Execution Strategy Based on Complexity
- Use Cursor Plan Mode (GPT-5.1 High) for tasks that require a thorough planning structure.
- Review the steps suggested by the AI in Plan Mode.
- Click 'Approve' or 'Apply' to let the AI update the code based on that plan.
- If you encounter a highly complex or difficult bug, switch tabs to the Terminal (Claude Code).
- Activate the 'Opus 4.1' model within Claude Code to solve those high-level technical issues.
- Verify the code changes in Cursor; they will automatically synchronize with the changes made via Claude Code in the terminal.
