Cursor Rules for Building Agents

A .cursorrules file teaches AI coding assistants (like Cursor, Windsurf) how to build better agents with Kern.

What is .cursorrules?

.cursorrules is a configuration file that provides your AI coding assistant with instructions on how to generate specific code. Kern's recommended .cursorrules file contains:

• Kern-specific patterns and best practices
• Correct parameter names and syntax
• Common mistakes to avoid
• When to use Agent vs Team vs Workflow

Think of it as a reference guide that helps your AI assistant build agents correctly with Kern.

Why Use It?

Without .cursorrules, AI assistants might suggest:

• Wrong parameter names (like agents= instead of members= for Teams)
• Outdated patterns or incorrect syntax
• Performance anti-patterns (creating agents in loops)
• Non-existent methods or features

With .cursorrules, your AI will:

• Suggest correct Kern patterns automatically
• Follow performance best practices
• Use the right approach for your use case
• Catch common mistakes before you make them

How to Use .cursorrules

Copy the Kern .cursorrules file to your project root:

1# Download the .cursorrules file
2curl -o .cursorrules https://raw.githubusercontent.com/kern-agi/kern/main/.cursorrules
3
4# Or clone and copy
5git clone https://github.com/kern-ai/kern.git
6cp kern/.cursorrules /path/to/your/project/

Your AI assistant (Cursor, Windsurf, etc.) will automatically detect and use it.

IDE Support

.cursorrules works with:

• Cursor - Automatic detection
• Windsurf - Native support
• Other AI assistants - Support may vary depending on integration

Learn More

For detailed examples and patterns: