Anybody find a useful use-case scenario for this "EDIT" mode?

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Just wondering if anybody can shine some light on why this “Edit” mode exists? I am pretty familiar in my workflow switching between Agent and Ask but I was wondering if anybody has specific useful tips or scenarios when they use the “Edit” mode? Thanks :slight_smile:

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Each one is tailored to different aspects of the coding workflow.

Ask Mode

In Ask mode, developers can quickly inquire about their codebase using natural language. This feature allows users to select code segments and pose questions, facilitating rapid understanding and troubleshooting. For more complex queries, the chat interface can be utilized. Additionally, Ask mode supports internet searches for the latest information and references documentation for popular libraries, enhancing the developer’s ability to access relevant resources efficiently.

Edit Mode

Edit mode is a powerful tool for code modification within Cursor. By selecting existing code and describing the desired changes, developers can leverage AI assistance to implement modifications efficiently. This mode also supports the generation of new code snippets, streamlining the coding process and reducing manual effort.

Agent Mode

Agent mode represents a more autonomous approach to coding assistance. In this mode, the AI can understand the entire codebase, modify multiple files simultaneously, and execute terminal commands directly. This capability allows for end-to-end task completion, such as creating new components, refactoring systems, or installing dependencies, all while keeping programmers in the loop by providing diff views for code changes.

Key Differences and Use Cases

  • Scope of Assistance: Ask and Edit modes are more user-driven, requiring developers to specify the context and desired changes. In contrast, Agent mode operates with a higher degree of autonomy, determining necessary actions and executing them across the codebase.

  • Execution of Commands: Agent mode uniquely offers the ability to run terminal commands directly, automating tasks like installing dependencies or running scripts. Ask and Edit modes do not have this capability.

  • Context Handling: While Ask and Edit modes rely on user-provided context, Agent mode can automatically pull relevant context from the codebase, reducing the need for manual input.

When to Use Each Mode

  • Ask Mode: Ideal for quickly understanding code segments, seeking clarifications, or accessing external documentation without making direct modifications.

  • Edit Mode: Suitable for precise code modifications or generating new code snippets based on specific instructions, allowing for controlled and targeted edits.

  • Agent Mode: Best utilized for comprehensive tasks that require understanding and modifying multiple parts of the codebase, executing terminal commands, or when seeking a more automated approach to coding tasks.

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Long story short, an agent composer without applying anything and most of the times just writes codes for no tagged file

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Edit just writes code without doing anything fancy. I personally prefer it over agent mode most of the time because it’s fast AF and gets the job done as long as you prompt it well. It’s also more consistent than Agent mode.

It won’t one-shot an entire feature like Agent mode sometimes can, but it also won’t waste nearly as much of your time or credits.

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wow thanks appreciate the elaborate response :slight_smile:

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