Learn vocabulary for AI-first editors: Cursor, Windsurf, Aider, and agent mode.
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What is 'agent mode' in AI-first IDEs like Cursor?
Agent mode (Cursor's 'Agent', Windsurf's 'Cascade') allows the AI to operate semi-autonomously: reading files, running terminal commands, making edits across multiple files, and iterating toward a goal.
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What is '@-mentioning' in AI coding tools like Cursor?
@-mentioning (e.g., @src/api/users.ts or @UserService) includes specific files or symbols as context in a prompt, guiding the AI to generate suggestions relevant to that code.
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What is a 'codebase context' in AI IDEs?
Codebase context refers to the AI's ability to understand and reference the broader project — not just the current file — when generating suggestions. Tools like Cursor index the codebase for this purpose.
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What does 'apply diff' mean in AI IDE workflows?
In AI IDEs, 'apply diff' means reviewing the AI's proposed code changes (shown as a red/green diff) and clicking to accept and apply them to the actual file — similar to accepting a patch.
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What is 'rules file' (e.g., .cursorrules) in AI coding tools?
.cursorrules (or similar rules files) are project-level instructions that tell the AI about the project's coding style, conventions, technologies, and patterns — improving suggestion relevance and consistency.