smith-ctx-cursor
Cursor context management with /summarize command, @ mentions for file inclusion, and @codebase discovery. Use when operating in Cursor IDE or when context exceeds 60%. Activate for context optimization in Cursor sessions.
When & Why to Use This Skill
This Claude skill optimizes the development experience within the Cursor IDE by providing advanced strategies for context management. It helps developers maintain high AI accuracy by strategically using the /summarize command, @ mentions for precise file inclusion, and @codebase for efficient discovery, preventing context overflow and information loss in complex coding sessions.
Use Cases
- Managing large-scale projects where context usage exceeds 60%, requiring manual summarization to preserve critical task goals and design decisions before the system's auto-trigger degrades quality.
- Restoring essential file context after a session reset or summarization by using @ mentions to force-include specific files like middleware, tokens, or core business logic.
- Optimizing file discovery and implementation workflows by using @codebase to find relevant patterns and then @ mentioning specific large files (250-600+ lines) that exceed standard discovery limits.
- Configuring persistent project-specific instructions using .cursorrules to define technology stacks and standards while maintaining global principles in separate skill files.
| name | smith-ctx-cursor |
|---|---|
| description | Cursor context management with /summarize command, @ mentions for file inclusion, and @codebase discovery. Use when operating in Cursor IDE or when context exceeds 60%. Activate for context optimization in Cursor sessions. |
Cursor Context Management
- Load if: Using Cursor, context >60%
- Prerequisites: @smith-ctx/SKILL.md
CRITICAL: Context Commands (Primacy Zone)
Agent prompts for context status, then recommends /summarize at 60-70%.
Automatic summarization uses smaller flash model → vague summaries, lost details. Recommend manual /summarize before auto-trigger.
After any summarization:
- Re-state critical context (task, files, decisions)
- Use @ mentions to restore files:
@auth/middleware.ts @auth/tokens.ts
/summarize - Manual Summarization
When to use: Before automatic trigger, between task phases
Recommendation format:
/summarize
After summarizing, re-add critical files:
@auth/middleware.ts @auth/tokens.ts
Verify summary preserved:
- Task goals
- File locations
- Design decisions
- Next steps
- Claiming to execute
/summarizedirectly - Relying solely on automatic summarization
- Continuing without verifying summary quality
@ Mentions - Force-Include Files
Syntax: @filename or @path/to/file.ext
Use @ mentions for:
- After summarization (restore critical files)
- Before implementation (load files to modify)
- Large files >600 lines (@codebase truncates at 250)
Patterns:
@auth/middleware.ts @auth/tokens.ts # Multiple files
@src/auth.ts @tests/auth.test.ts # File + tests
- @codebase for files >600 lines (only loads first 250)
- @ mention entire directories
- @ mention files you won't use
@codebase - Discovery Only
Use for: Finding files, understanding patterns Limitation: Returns summaries, not complete code
Workflow:
@codebase authentication middleware→ Find files@auth/middleware.ts→ Load full file- Implement with complete context
.cursorrules - Persistent Instructions
Location: .cursorrules in project root
Put in .cursorrules (project-specific):
- Technology stack
- Project structure
- Reference to @AGENTS.md
Put in skill files (personal/global):
- Universal principles
- Language style
- Git workflow
Example:
# Project Rules
Follow standards from @AGENTS.md
## Stack
- Framework: NestJS
- Database: PostgreSQL
- Testing: Jest
- @smith-ctx/SKILL.md - Universal context strategies
ACTION (Recency Zone)
Proactive context management:
- Prompt for context status
- At 60-70%: Recommend
/summarizebefore auto-trigger - After summarization: Remind to re-add files with @ mentions
Agent RECOMMENDS - user executes the command.
File size strategy:
- <250 lines: @codebase works
- 250-600 lines: Use @ mention
600 lines: Always @ mention