Cursor CLI
Executive Summary
"The Context King. It knows your codebase better than you do. Cursor CLI indexes files you haven't even opened, allowing for global refactors and queries with zero manual context stuffing."
// Core Capabilities
- cursor-small / cursor-large (Distilled)
- Deep Codebase Indexing (RAG)
- Plan Mode vs Ask Mode
- Cloud Handoff (CLI to Web)
- Privacy Mode Options
// Risk Assessment
- Proprietary Logic You are locked into Cursor's custom distilled models for the best results. Migrating away means losing that fine-tuned intelligence.
Tactical Analysis
Cursor CLI bridges the gap between a traditional terminal tool and a full-blown IDE. Its secret weapon is its Deep Codebase Indexing. Unlike other CLIs that only "see" the file you pipe into them, Cursor CLI is aware of your entire project structure, definitions, and references.
The Jan 2026 update introduced two distinct modes: "Ask Mode" for quick queries and "Plan Mode" for multi-step implementations. Plan Mode is particularly impressive, as it can draft changes across multiple files and present a coherent diff for review before applying anything.
A unique feature is "Cloud Handoff." You can start a complex task in the CLI, realize it needs a visual interface, and seamlessly transfer the active session to the Cursor web dashboard to finish the job there.
Hybrid Power
It effectively brings the power of the "Composer" feature from the desktop app into your terminal. This makes it ideal for headless environments or for developers who simply live in the shell but want IDE-grade intelligence.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Global Awareness
RAG-based indexing means it understands your project's context without you having to explain it.
Vendor Lock-in
Custom distilled models mean you can't easily swap the "brain" for a generic GPT-4 or Claude.
Final Verdict
Deployment Recommendation
Cursor CLI is "RECOMMENDED" for developers who want the smartest possible context awareness. It feels less like a tool and more like a pair programmer who has read all your code.