<h2>Cursor Rules Vs Commands</h2>
<h3>Rules</h3>
<p>Rules are stored in <code>.cursor/rules</code> or configured in Cursor Settings → Rules and define standards or guidelines that Cursor should follow automatically. They act as system prompts passed to the underlying language models, codifying foundational decisions about your codebase. Unlike commands which are explicitly invoked, rules apply persistently across chat sessions and can be set globally (across all projects) or project-specifically.
Examples include coding style preferences, framework best practices, folder structure requirements, or security guidelines like ensuring database queries use specific utility functions.</p>
<p>###Commands
Commands are stored in <code>.cursor/commands</code> as markdown files and act as shortcuts for repeated instructions. They’re accessed by typing <code>/</code> in the chat input box, which displays all available commands. For example, a <code>/explain </code> command might contain the instruction “Review code and explain how the code works,” allowing you to simply type <code>/explain process.js</code> instead of writing the full prompt each time. Commands define specific steps that Cursor should execute and function as templates to avoid retyping common tasks.</p>
<h3>Key Differences</h3>
<p>The main distinction is that commands require manual invocation with <code>/ </code> for task execution, while rules automatically influence AI behavior without repeated prompting. Commands are like “do this specific task,” whereas rules are like “always follow these principles”.</p>


Muhammad Al Amin Rifat

Cursor offers two distinct features for customizing AI behavior: Rules and Commands. Rules are persistent guidelines stored in `.cursor/rules` that automatically influence AI responses across all sessions, defining standards like coding style and best practices. Commands are reusable shortcuts stored as markdown files in `.cursor/commands`, invoked manually with `/` to execute specific tasks without retyping instructions. The key difference: rules apply automatically as ongoing principles, while commands require explicit invocation for task execution.

Cursor Rules vs Commands — Clearing the Confusion!