Every session, the same problem.
I open Cursor, start a task, and within minutes the AI is:
- Generating components that already exist
- Using patterns we explicitly don't use
- Renaming things I didn't ask it to rename
Sound familiar?
The fix isn't a better prompt. It's better rules files.
Here's the setup I now use on every project:
## .cursorrules
Tells Cursor how to write code in this repo. Mine covers:
- TypeScript strict patterns (no
any, discriminated unions for AI states) - Streaming hook conventions with proper abort cleanup
- Folder structure enforcement
- Security rules (no API keys in state, sanitize AI output)
## CLAUDE.md
Loaded at the start of every Claude Code session. Includes:
- Tech stack
- Current sprint goals
- Business rules the AI must never violate
- What it should always/never do
## AGENTS.md
The strictest file. Prevents agents from:
- Renaming files without permission
- Deleting code without explaining it first
- Adding dependencies without listing them
I packaged all three as a starter pack with fill-in-the-blank
templates for React + TypeScript + AI product projects.
If you want to grab it: https://payhip.com/b/BVfGI ($19)
If you want the full setup pre-built and ready to drop in:
https://payhip.com/b/BVfGI ($19)
Or drop a comment and I'll paste the .cursorrules here for free.
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