Cursor CLI Adds Debug Mode & /btw for Smoother Terminal AI Workflows

TL;DR

• Cursor's CLI now features a Debug Mode to help pinpoint and fix complex bugs.
• The /btw command allows for quick, non-disruptive clarification questions to agents.
• New configuration menus and customizable status bars enhance user control and visibility within the terminal.
• Improvements also include enhanced image pasting and more reliable background process handling.

Cursor has rolled out significant quality-of-life updates to its Command Line Interface (CLI), aiming to make interactions with AI agents directly from the terminal more efficient and enjoyable. These new features focus on simplifying complex debugging tasks and improving the conversational flow when working with AI assistants in a code-centric environment. The updates are designed for developers who prefer to manage their workflows through the command line, offering more robust tools for analysis and communication.

A standout addition is the new Debug Mode, accessible via the /debug command. This mode is engineered to assist users in identifying the root causes of tricky bugs that might be difficult to reproduce or understand through standard methods. When activated, Cursor will automatically generate hypotheses, inject log statements, and leverage runtime information to precisely locate the issue. This process is followed by the creation of a targeted fix, streamlining the debugging process and reducing the manual effort required. You can learn more about this feature in the Cursor documentation.

Another highly anticipated feature is the introduction of /btw support within the CLI. This command allows users to ask quick, secondary questions without interrupting the agent's primary task. Whether you need immediate clarification on a proposed code change or a detail about the current operation, /btw enables you to get answers without derailing the ongoing workflow. This enhances the interactive nature of the AI agents, making them more responsive to nuanced user needs during development cycles.

Beyond these specific commands, Cursor has also enhanced the overall user experience with new configuration menus and custom status bars. The /config command opens an interactive panel directly in the CLI, allowing users to view and modify various settings such as model choices, default behaviors, and runtime preferences. Furthermore, users can customize their status bar with /statusline to display session metadata they deem important, like the current mode, branch, or active task hints. These additions provide greater transparency and control over the CLI environment.

The latest update also brings a host of general CLI improvements, including better handling of plaintext responses from tools, support for image pasting from the clipboard (including Ctrl+V in some terminals), and a more informative footer displaying the working directory and current branch. Bug fixes address reliable backgrounding of the CLI, ensure auto-run functionality across different modes, and refine slash command and keyboard handling for a smoother experience. For a comprehensive overview of all changes, users can visit the Cursor Changelog.

Summary

• Debug Mode and /btw command streamline bug fixing and agent clarification in the CLI.
• New configuration menus and custom status bars offer enhanced user control and visibility.
• Updates include improved image pasting and numerous bug fixes for a more stable workflow.
• These enhancements aim to make terminal-based AI interactions more efficient and delightful for developers.

Source: CLI Debug Mode and /btw Support · Cursor