Learning Timeline
Key Insights
The Benefits of 'Iterative Debugging'
Avoid fixing code manually if errors occur during a dry run. Copy the error logs into the Composer or let the AI read them; the AI is much faster at spotting typos or missing dependencies.
Terminal Integration Warning
Always review the commands the AI intends to run in the terminal. While Cursor is secure, ensure the AI does not accidentally execute 'delete' or 'format' commands on your root directory.
Prompts
Dry Run Verification Prompt
Target:
Cursor Composer
I have applied the changes. Please perform a dry run by executing the relevant test scripts or running the application to verify there are no regressions. If you encounter any errors in the logs, fix them automatically.
Directory Issue Fix Prompt
Target:
Cursor Composer
The terminal is having trouble locating the files. Please use the current working directory [Insert PWD Path] as the base for all subsequent commands and ensure the file paths in your script match this structure.
Step by Step
Executing the Dry Run Technique in Cursor
- Open the Composer panel in Cursor by pressing the shortcut 'Cmd+I' (Mac) or 'Ctrl+I' (Windows).
- Select the most powerful AI model (e.g., Claude 3.5 Sonnet) to handle complex logic.
- Enter your prompt to build a feature or fix a bug into the Composer.
- Once Cursor generates the code, click the 'Apply' button on each suggested file.
- Do not close the Composer after clicking 'Apply'; follow up with the instruction: 'Now, please dry run this code to ensure it works'.
- If the AI requests permission to execute a terminal command, click 'Run Command' or 'Allow'.
- Observe the terminal as it automatically runs tests or verification scripts.
- If error logs appear, let the AI read them automatically and suggest fixes until a 'Pass' or 'Success' status is achieved.
Workaround for File Path Issues (Terminal vs. Composer)
- Identify if the AI is failing to execute files due to 'File Not Found' errors or incorrect paths.
- Open the integrated terminal at the bottom of Cursor.
- Type 'pwd' (Print Working Directory) to get the full path of your active folder.
- Copy that path and paste it into the Composer.
- Provide a specific instruction: 'Use this absolute path for all terminal commands: [Paste Path Here]'.
- Instruct the AI to 'Retry' running the script using the newly provided path reference.
