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2 min lesson

Ask vs Agent: pick the right mode

Work through this case. "You want to rename a function across the codebase and update its tests. Ask or Agent?" Say what you would do and why.

Step 1 of 3

Two modes, one decision.

The mode changes what you are asking Cursor to own. Ask is read-only. It reads context, explains paths and helps you decide, and never touches a file. Agent takes a bounded task, edits, and hands back a diff you can review.

AGENT AND PLAN MODE
Actual Cursor product screenshot showing a Plan Mode document with current state, target architecture and build controls.

Plan Mode drafts the approach and a Build control hands it to Agent. Agent is the surface that makes the edits and runs the checks.

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Optional practice

Test yourself on Ask vs Agent: pick the right mode

QYou are new to a billing module and want to know why parseCart returns null for an empty cart. You are not changing anything yet. Ask or Agent?