The outcome

Complete a small code change with a diff you understand.

Step by step

A workflow you can repeat.

  1. 01

    Open the repository and read its README, contribution notes, and available test commands.

  2. 02

    Ask Cursor to locate the relevant files and explain the current behavior without changing anything.

  3. 03

    State the acceptance criteria and ask for a file-by-file plan.

  4. 04

    Apply the smallest viable edit, then inspect every changed line in the diff.

  5. 05

    Run the narrowest relevant checks first, followed by the project's normal validation command.

Interface reference

Connect the workflow to the product.

Cursor editor with two agent sessions reviewing code changes beside an open source file.

Cursor’s editor keeps agent activity, proposed changes, and the underlying code visible together for review.

Interface reference · Cursor 3.0 product changelog ↗ · Captured August 2, 2026

Working standard

What good use looks like.

  • Commit or stash before larger edits.
  • Name the files and constraints.
  • Reject unexplained dependency changes.

Official references

Check the current product documentation.