agent-modes
Guidance on choosing and using Cursor agent modes: Agent, Ask, Plan, and Debug. Use when selecting the right mode for a task or when explaining mode capabilities.
Install
mkdir -p .claude/skills/agent-modes && curl -L -o skill.zip "https://mcp.directory/api/skills/download/1486" && unzip -o skill.zip -d .claude/skills/agent-modes && rm skill.zipInstalls to .claude/skills/agent-modes
About this skill
Agent Modes Skill
Guidance on choosing and using the right agent mode for your task.
When to Use
Use this skill when:
- Selecting the right mode for a task
- Explaining mode capabilities
- Switching between modes
- Understanding mode-specific workflows
Mode Selection
Agent Mode (Default)
Best for: Complex features, refactoring, autonomous exploration
Use when:
- Implementing features requiring multiple file changes
- Refactoring across codebase
- Clear, well-defined tasks
- Need autonomous exploration and fixes
Example:
- "Add a new API endpoint for goals"
- "Refactor authentication system"
- "Update components to new design system"
Ask Mode
Best for: Learning, planning, read-only exploration
Use when:
- Learning about unfamiliar code
- Understanding system architecture
- Planning before implementation
- Exploring codebase structure
Example:
- "How does authentication work?"
- "Explain memory extraction flow"
- "What happens when user submits form?"
Plan Mode
Best for: Complex features requiring planning
Use when:
- Complex features with multiple approaches
- Tasks touching many files/systems
- Unclear requirements
- Architectural decisions need review
Example:
- "Add user preferences system"
- "Implement real-time notifications"
- "Refactor data layer"
Workflow:
- Agent asks clarifying questions
- Researches codebase
- Creates implementation plan
- You review and edit plan
- Click to build when ready
Debug Mode
Best for: Tricky bugs, regressions
Use when:
- Bugs you can reproduce but can't figure out
- Race conditions and timing issues
- Performance problems
- Regressions
Example:
- "Audio streaming stops after 30 seconds"
- "Memory extraction fails for some conversations"
- "BLE connection drops intermittently"
Workflow:
- Explore and hypothesize
- Add instrumentation
- Reproduce bug
- Analyze logs
- Make targeted fix
- Verify and clean up
Mode Switching
- Use mode picker dropdown
- Press
Cmd+.(Mac) orCtrl+.(Windows/Linux) - Set keyboard shortcuts in settings
Related Resources
- Rule:
.cursor/rules/agent-modes.mdc - Commands:
/plan,/ask,/debug
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