Guide
Local Agent vs Cloud Agent
Answer first
Use a local agent when you need tight review, local context or quick iteration. Use a cloud agent when the task can run independently and has a clear handoff. The safe default is local for ambiguous work and cloud for bounded jobs with strong checks.
What is the working pattern for local vs cloud agent choice?
- Move
- Start with a bounded task
- Use this when
- Developers choosing where agent work should run.
- Proof to save
- Issue, files, checks and owner are named
- Move
- Give the agent context
- Use this when
- The repo has patterns the agent must follow
- Proof to save
- Prompt cites files, errors and constraints
- Move
- Review the diff
- Use this when
- The task changes production code
- Proof to save
- Changed files, test output and risks are visible
| Move | Use this when | Proof to save |
|---|---|---|
| Start with a bounded task | Developers choosing where agent work should run. | Issue, files, checks and owner are named |
| Give the agent context | The repo has patterns the agent must follow | Prompt cites files, errors and constraints |
| Review the diff | The task changes production code | Changed files, test output and risks are visible |
A good AI coding workflow is specific enough to review and small enough to recover.
Interactive diagram. Use Tab to move through hotspots or use the step controls when shown.
Use this loop when the change is larger than autocomplete and smaller than a full project rewrite.
The public guide connects to lessons, recall and readiness checks inside Learn Cursor.
How should a team run local vs cloud agent choice?
- 1Pick one real backlog item with a clear owner and expected result.
- 2Add only the context the agent needs: files, failing output, constraints and done state.
- 3Ask for a plan before code when the task touches more than one file.
- 4Run checks that match the risk: unit test, typecheck, visual pass or review checklist.
- 5Capture the prompt, diff, result and reviewer note so the workflow can be repeated.
Task, context, constraints, done state and checks.
Open the diff, read changed files and rerun the check yourself.
The guide compares context, review, risk, cost and handoff quality.
What should you keep after the run?
- The prompt or plan that shaped the work.
- The files changed and the reason each file changed.
- The command, screenshot or review note that proved the result.
- The rule, checklist or template you would reuse next time.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Local Agent vs Cloud Agent for?
Developers choosing where agent work should run.
What makes this page credible?
The guide compares context, review, risk, cost and handoff quality.
What should I do next?
Start with one real repo task, capture the prompt and review the result before scaling the workflow.
Editorial notes
Source review
- Last checked
- June 23, 2026
- Scope
- Cursor docs, Cursor Learn pages and product docs.
- Refresh
- Quarterly, plus changes to Cursor agent or CLI docs.
- Reviewer
- Learn Cursor editorial
Page assets
- Primary media
- Workflow diagram.
- Supporting media
- Learn Cursor practice screenshot.
- Interactive element
- Step diagram.
- Transcript
- Add a transcript when a recorded walkthrough is added.
- Refresh owner
- Learn Cursor editorial.
Content pod
- Pod
- Workflow pod
- Owner
- Editorial director
- Reviewers
- DevRel engineer, SEO lead, Senior editor
QA gate
- Human signal
- Includes a task-specific diagram, checklist or calculator.
- Claims
- Claims stay tied to sources, visible limits and page scope.
- Visual proof
- Uses product screenshots or annotated workflow diagrams, not stock art.
- Page rhythm
- Sections vary between answer, method, visual and action blocks.
Sources & last verified
Cursor ships frequently. Facts verified against primary sources on June 23, 2026.