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Guide: How to Handle Big Projects With Cursor

Working with large codebases can be challenging, but Cursor provides powerful features to help you navigate and understand complex projects effectively. This guide will show you how to leverage Cursor's capabilities for managing big projects.

Key Strategies​

  1. Project Organization

    • Structure your workspace efficiently
    • Use meaningful file and directory names
    • Maintain clear separation of concerns

  2. Documentation Management

    • Keep comprehensive documentation
    • Use inline comments effectively
    • Create README files for major components

  3. Codebase Navigation

    • Utilize Cursor's search capabilities
    • Leverage AI-powered code understanding
    • Create bookmarks for important files

Leveraging Cursor's Features​

1. Token Window Management​

Cursor's 1MM token window provides extensive context for AI operations. Here's how to optimize its use:

Window Size Configuration​

{
  "ai.contextWindow": {
    "size": "1M",
    "priority": "smart",
    "retention": "adaptive"
  }
}

Smart Context Loading​

  • Group related files within token window
  • Prioritize critical code paths
  • Use directory structure for context

Context Optimization​

{
  "context.optimization": {
    "excludePatterns": ["**/test/**", "**/docs/**"],
    "includePatterns": ["**/src/**", "**/lib/**"],
    "priorityFiles": ["**/core/**"]
  }
}

2. AI-Assisted Navigation​

# Example commands for AI navigation
/find dependencies for UserService
/explain this component's architecture
/show related files

3. Project Documentation​

  • Use AI to generate and maintain documentation
  • Keep documentation close to the code it describes
  • Update documentation as code evolves

Best Practices​

1. Code Organization​

project/
  ├── docs/
  │   ├── architecture/
  │   ├── api/
  │   └── guides/
  ├── src/
  │   ├── components/
  │   ├── services/
  │   └── utils/
  ├── tests/
  └── README.md

2. Working with Large Files​

  • Break down large files into smaller, manageable components
  • Use meaningful naming conventions
  • Maintain clear module boundaries

3. Performance Optimization​

Memory Management​

{
  "performance": {
    "memoryLimit": "8GB",
    "cacheSize": "2GB",
    "garbageCollection": "aggressive"
  }
}

Search Optimization​

{
  "search": {
    "excludePatterns": [
      "**/node_modules/**",
      "**/dist/**",
      "**/build/**"
    ],
    "includePatterns": [
      "**/*.{ts,tsx,js,jsx}",
      "**/*.{java,kt}",
      "**/*.{py,rb}"
    ],
    "indexing": {
      "enabled": true,
      "frequency": "realtime"
    }
  }
}

File Watching​

{
  "fileWatcher": {
    "enabled": true,
    "excludePatterns": ["**/tmp/**", "**/logs/**"],
    "maxFiles": 50000,
    "pollInterval": "auto"
  }
}

Advanced Techniques​

1. Custom Commands​

Create custom commands for common operations:

{
  "commands": {
    "analyze-component": "Analyze component structure and dependencies",
    "find-usage": "Find all usages of selected symbol",
    "generate-docs": "Generate documentation for current file"
  }
}

2. Project-Specific Settings​

Configure project-specific settings for better performance:

{
  "search": {
    "excludePatterns": ["**/node_modules/**", "**/dist/**"],
    "includePatterns": ["**/*.{ts,tsx,js,jsx}"]
  },
  "ai": {
    "contextSize": "large",
    "priorityFiles": ["src/core/**/*"]
  }
}

3. Performance Monitoring​

{
  "monitoring": {
    "enabled": true,
    "metrics": [
      "memory_usage",
      "cpu_usage",
      "response_time",
      "indexing_status"
    ],
    "alerts": {
      "memory_threshold": "80%",
      "cpu_threshold": "70%"
    }
  }
}

Case Studies​

1. Monorepo Management​

monorepo:
  structure:
    packages:
      - name: core
        priority: high
        context: always
      - name: utils
        priority: medium
        context: on_demand
      - name: apps
        priority: low
        context: manual

2. Microservices Architecture​

microservices:
  context_management:
    services:
      - name: auth
        files: ["src/auth/**/*"]
        dependencies: ["core", "utils"]
      - name: api
        files: ["src/api/**/*"]
        dependencies: ["core", "database"]

3. Legacy Code Integration​

legacy_integration:
  strategy:
    code_paths:
      - pattern: "legacy/**/*"
        handling: "selective_loading"
        documentation: "required"
    migration:
      approach: "incremental"
      tracking: "enabled"

Troubleshooting Common Issues​

  1. Performance Issues

    • Clear cache regularly
    • Optimize search patterns
    • Use appropriate ignore rules
    • Monitor memory usage
    • Adjust indexing settings

  2. Context Management

    • Keep related files close together
    • Use meaningful file organization
    • Leverage AI context effectively
    • Configure smart loading
    • Use context segmentation

  3. Navigation Challenges

    • Create custom navigation shortcuts
    • Use AI-assisted file finding
    • Maintain clear project structure
    • Implement smart bookmarks
    • Utilize quick filters

Tips for Team Collaboration​

  1. Shared Conventions

    • Establish team-wide naming conventions
    • Create shared command aliases
    • Maintain consistent file organization
    • Document best practices
    • Use standardized configurations

  2. Documentation Standards

    • Define documentation requirements
    • Use consistent documentation format
    • Keep documentation up-to-date
    • Automate documentation updates
    • Implement review processes

  3. Code Review Process

    • Use AI-assisted code review
    • Maintain review checklists
    • Document review decisions
    • Track review metrics
    • Implement automated checks

Performance Optimization Guide​

1. Memory Usage​

{
  "memory": {
    "heap_size": "auto",
    "gc_strategy": "adaptive",
    "cache_policy": "lru"
  }
}

2. Search Performance​

{
  "search": {
    "engine": "ripgrep",
    "index": {
      "type": "incremental",
      "update_interval": "5m"
    },
    "cache": {
      "enabled": true,
      "max_size": "1GB"
    }
  }
}

3. File System Optimization​

{
  "fs": {
    "watch_mode": "native",
    "symlinks": "follow",
    "ignore_patterns": [
      "**/node_modules/**",
      "**/.git/**",
      "**/dist/**"
    ]
  }
}

Conclusion​

Managing large projects with Cursor becomes manageable when you:

  • Leverage AI capabilities effectively
  • Maintain good project organization
  • Use appropriate tools and features
  • Follow consistent conventions
  • Monitor and optimize performance
  • Implement proper documentation
  • Use smart context management

Remember that successful large project management is an iterative process. Regularly review and adjust your approach based on team feedback and project needs.

Additional Resources​