Migrating from Cursor

Guide to transitioning from Cursor to Bootspring.

Overview#

Cursor is an AI-powered code editor. Bootspring complements it by providing structured context, expert agents, and development workflows. Many users run both together.

Key Differences#

Using Both Together#

Bootspring and Cursor work well together:

1. Use Cursor for real-time coding assistance
2. Use Bootspring for structured context, patterns, and workflows
3. Share context via CLAUDE.md file

Migration Steps#

Step 1: Install Bootspring#

Step 2: Initialize Project#

This creates:

• bootspring.config.js - Configuration
• CLAUDE.md - Project context
• .bootspring/ - Bootspring data

Step 3: Import Cursor Rules#

If you have Cursor rules, convert them to Bootspring config:

Cursor .cursorrules:

Bootspring bootspring.config.js:

Step 4: Connect Claude Desktop#

This sets up Bootspring as an MCP server for Claude Desktop.

Feature Mapping#

Chat with Codebase#

Cursor: Built-in chat panel Bootspring: Claude Desktop with bootspring_context tool

Code Generation#

Cursor: Tab completion, Command K Bootspring: Expert agents with patterns

Inline Editing#

Cursor: Inline AI suggestions Bootspring: Agent-generated code to paste

Bootspring doesn't provide inline editor integration (works with any editor).

Project Understanding#

Cursor: Automatic context Bootspring: Structured CLAUDE.md

Bootspring's context is:

• Explicit and reviewable
• Git-tracked
• Shareable with team
• Customizable

Workflow Comparison#

Cursor Workflow#

1. Open file
2. Use Cmd+K for inline AI
3. Accept suggestions
4. Manually run tests

Bootspring Workflow#

1. Start workflow: bootspring workflow start feature-development
2. Get guided through phases
3. Expert agents assist each phase
4. Quality gates verify completion

Common Migration Questions#

Can I keep using Cursor?#

Yes. Bootspring doesn't replace Cursor. Use Cursor for quick edits and Bootspring for structured development.

Will my Cursor history work?#

Cursor and Bootspring have separate histories. Bootspring's history is stored in .bootspring/.

Do I need Claude Desktop?#

Claude Desktop provides the best MCP integration. You can also use the CLI directly.

Can I use GPT-4 instead of Claude?#

Bootspring is optimized for Claude but supports OpenAI:

Tips for Cursor Users#

1. Keep Using Both#

Don't abandon Cursor. Use it for quick edits, Bootspring for complex tasks.

2. Generate Context Regularly#

This keeps CLAUDE.md current for Cursor to read.

3. Use Expert Agents for Complex Tasks#

For tasks needing expertise:

• Security: bootspring agent invoke security-expert
• Performance: bootspring agent invoke performance-expert
• Database: bootspring agent invoke database-expert

4. Apply Patterns Instead of Prompting#

Instead of writing prompts for common patterns:

5. Use Workflows for Features#

For full features, use workflows:

This coordinates multiple agents through design, implementation, and testing.

Configuration Mapping#

Tab Completion#

Cursor's tab completion maps to skill application:

Copilot++ Mode#

Cursor's Copilot++ enhanced suggestions map to agent invocations:

Custom Rules#

Cursor's .cursorrules maps to bootspring.config.js:

Next Steps#

1. Getting Started
2. Using Agents
3. Understanding Context
4. Workflows