Cursor Cloud Agent workflow for multi-file refactors

Outcome

Ship a safe refactor in one branch with:

• an explicit plan
• bounded change scope
• runnable validation steps
• review-ready pull request notes

Prerequisites

• Cursor installed and authenticated
• Repository checked out locally
• Test command identified (npm run lint, npm test, or project equivalent)
• GitHub MCP server connected (optional but useful for PR context)

Workflow

1) Define the refactor contract

Ask the agent to produce:

• current behavior summary
• desired behavior summary
• files to touch
• expected risks
• test strategy

Do not let it edit code yet. Approve the plan first.

2) Execute in constrained batches

Apply edits in logical batches:

1. type/interface changes
2. call-site updates
3. cleanup and docs

After each batch, run targeted tests before moving on.

3) Keep a verification log

Capture command outputs for:

• lint
• unit or integration tests
• build (if relevant)

Paste the short evidence into your PR description.

4) Final review pass

Before opening the PR, ask the agent to perform:

• regression risk scan
• dead-code scan
• naming and API consistency check

5) Prepare the PR

Create a concise PR with:

• problem statement
• what changed
• how validated
• rollback notes

When this workflow is best

• broad, repetitive refactors
• interface migrations
• cleanup that spans many modules

Common failure patterns

• skipping the plan and jumping to edits
• changing too many concerns in one pass
• no test evidence in the final PR