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How to use pro-workflow patterns across Claude Code, Cursor, Codex, and other AI coding agents.

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The Layered Approach

The most productive teams in 2026 don’t choose one tool — they layer them:
LayerToolStrength
EditorCursor / VS Code + CopilotTab completions, inline edits, visual diffs
TerminalClaude Code / Codex CLIDeep reasoning, multi-file changes, CI/CD
BackgroundCursor Background AgentsLong-running tasks, PR creation
ReviewClaude Code reviewer agentSecurity audit, code quality

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Common Setup

Cursor for daily coding (tab completions, inline edits)
  └── Claude Code in Cursor's terminal (hard problems, refactors)
      └── Subagents for parallel exploration
The overlap in capabilities is worth the combined cost.

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Configuration Mapping

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Claude Code → Cursor

Claude CodeCursor Equivalent
CLAUDE.md.cursorrules or .cursor/rules/*.mdc
.claude/settings.json.cursor/settings.json
.claude/agents/*.md.cursor/agents/*.md (v2.4+)
.claude/skills/*/SKILL.md.cursor/skills/*/SKILL.md (v2.4+)
.claude/commands/*.mdBuilt-in / commands
hooks.jsonNot supported (use rules instead)
.mcp.json.cursor/mcp.json

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Pro-Workflow on Each Agent

1

Claude Code (Full Support)

Everything works: commands, agents, skills, hooks, rules, contexts, MCP config.
/plugin marketplace add rohitg00/pro-workflow
/plugin install pro-workflow@pro-workflow
2

Cursor (Skills + Rules)

Uses skills (.mdc rules) instead of hooks. Same patterns, different enforcement.
/add-plugin pro-workflow
What loads:
  • 9 skills (pro-workflow, smart-commit, wrap-up, learn-rule, etc.)
  • 6 rules (quality-gates, atomic-commits, context-discipline, etc.)
  • 3 agents (planner, reviewer, scout)
3

Other Agents (via SkillKit)

npx skillkit install pro-workflow
npx skillkit translate pro-workflow --agent codex
npx skillkit translate pro-workflow --agent gemini-cli
npx skillkit translate pro-workflow --agent windsurf
SkillKit translates the SKILL.md format to each agent’s native format.

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Shared Patterns That Work Everywhere

These patterns are agent-agnostic:
Works in any agent that reads a memory file. Add to CLAUDE.md / .cursorrules / AGENTS.md:
When corrected, propose a rule. After approval, append to LEARNED section.
Universal pattern. Every agent benefits from planning mode:
  • Claude Code: Shift+Tab to plan mode
  • Cursor: Agent mode with planning prompt
  • Codex: Start with “plan this before implementing”
Add to any agent’s rules:
Before committing: run lint, typecheck, and tests. Fix failures before proceeding.
Every agent has finite context. The discipline is the same:
  • Read before edit
  • Compact/clear at task boundaries
  • Delegate heavy exploration to subagents
  • Keep <10 MCP servers, <80 tools
End sessions intentionally. Capture state for the next session:
When ending a session:
1. List what's done, in progress, and pending
2. Note any decisions made and why
3. Write a one-line resume prompt for next session

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Background Agent Patterns

Ctrl+B          # Send to background
claude -w       # Worktree for parallel session

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When to Use Each

TaskClaude CodeCursor
Quick explorationSubagent (in-process)Tab in sidebar
Long refactorWorktree sessionBackground agent
PR creationgh pr create in sessionBackground agent auto-PR
Code reviewReviewer agentInline review comments

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MCP Server Sharing

MCP servers work across both Claude Code and Cursor. Share a single .mcp.json: 
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "context7": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@upstash/context7-mcp@latest"]
    },
    "playwright": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@anthropic/mcp-playwright"]
    }
  }
}
Place at project root. Both tools discover it automatically.

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