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We really don’t encourage using an AI-based IDE on any projects before your final project, especially one that does vibe coding.

And as always, you need to box in the AI. It’s wise to use it to give you insight into specific code sections to make sure you’re learning. That is the point of the bootcamp. You’ll have plenty of time to code with Cursor after the bootcamp.

BUT if you really must get into Cursor, you need to implement a guardrail plan. Read on if you want to learn how.

Implementing Guardrails in Cursor IDE

Remember, your project should look like something you would actually build and can explain. Guardrails keep the vibe-coding from getting out of control.

With the right guardrails in place, you create a productive rhythm:
✅ No out-of-control suggestions or complexity ✅ A working relationship that just clicks
✅ Faster, cleaner, more educational coding

Set the rails → then let momentum do the rest.

This guide outlines how to set up intelligent guardrails in Cursor using custom rule files (.mdc) and a .cursor-config file. It also includes tips for using Cursor’s Ask feature to learn while building.

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Step 1: Create Your Rule Files

Guardrails are implemented using MDC rule files. These guide the AI to respond according to your project’s stack, style, and expectations.
You can click the ⚙️ Settings cog in the top-right corner and go to Rules from there. There are User Rules (global) and Project Rules (per repo). You don’t need to set both. Just pick what fits your workflow.

I recommend storing your rule content in .mdc files inside your project (e.g., .cursor/java-rules.mdc) and referencing it in your .cursor-config. This way, your rules are version-controlled, reusable, and can be shared.
Once linked, you don’t need to paste rule text into Cursor’s settings. The config does the work.

Example structure:

📁 .cursor/
└── java-rules.mdc

Sample: java-rules.mdc

Your expertise is in Java and Spring Boot.
You prefer JPA/Hibernate for ORM and Thymeleaf or React for views.
Avoid introducing unnecessary complexity unless asked.

Never scaffold an entire app; give short examples or just the method or class needed.

You should:
- Assume the project is full-stack unless told otherwise.
- Prioritize clarity and brevity.
- Guide like a peer mentor, not a senior architect.

You can create multiple .mdc files if you work across different languages or tech stacks.

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Step 2: Configure .cursor-config

This JSON config file maps your rule files to your user and/or project scopes.

Sample: .cursor-config

{
  "user": {
    "rules": ["java-rules.mdc"]
  },
  "project": {
    "rules": ["java-rules.mdc"]
  }
}

Place this file in the root of your project.

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Step 3: Use Ask to Learn as You Code

Cursor’s Ask sidebar is more than just a Q&A box — it’s a teaching tool.

Use it to:

• Dive into new tech: “Explain Spring’s @Transactional”
• Compare choices: “Should I use JPA or raw SQL for this query?”
• Scaffold boilerplate: “Write a Spring controller for a Student entity”

👥 Tip:

Use Ask like a teammate, not a search engine. You’re here to build and learn.

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Why Guardrails?

Benefit	Why It Matters
✅ Consistency	Responses match your tech stack and coding style = the project resembles something you’d build on your own!
✅ Clarity	Avoids bloated or off-topic answers = This is where vibe coding gets out of control.
✅ Speed	You waste less time fixing or rewriting suggestions = When you have the right guardrails, you land on a great working relationship.
✅ Better learning	You stay in your project’s context while growing your skills

Guardrails let the AI work with you—not ahead of you.

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Summary

Tool	Purpose
.mdc files	Define how AI should behave/respond
.cursor-config	Link rule files to user and project scope
Ask feature	Learn contextually while staying productive

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