Agent Modes Skill

Guidance on choosing and using the right agent mode for your task.

When to Use

Use this skill when:

• Selecting the right mode for a task
• Explaining mode capabilities
• Switching between modes
• Understanding mode-specific workflows

Mode Selection

Agent Mode (Default)

Best for: Complex features, refactoring, autonomous exploration

Use when:

• Implementing features requiring multiple file changes
• Refactoring across codebase
• Clear, well-defined tasks
• Need autonomous exploration and fixes

Example:

• "Add a new API endpoint for goals"
• "Refactor authentication system"
• "Update components to new design system"

Ask Mode

Best for: Learning, planning, read-only exploration

Use when:

• Learning about unfamiliar code
• Understanding system architecture
• Planning before implementation
• Exploring codebase structure

Example:

• "How does authentication work?"
• "Explain memory extraction flow"
• "What happens when user submits form?"

Plan Mode

Best for: Complex features requiring planning

Use when:

• Complex features with multiple approaches
• Tasks touching many files/systems
• Unclear requirements
• Architectural decisions need review

Example:

• "Add user preferences system"
• "Implement real-time notifications"
• "Refactor data layer"

Workflow:

1. Agent asks clarifying questions
2. Researches codebase
3. Creates implementation plan
4. You review and edit plan
5. Click to build when ready

Debug Mode

Best for: Tricky bugs, regressions

Use when:

• Bugs you can reproduce but can't figure out
• Race conditions and timing issues
• Performance problems
• Regressions

Example:

• "Audio streaming stops after 30 seconds"
• "Memory extraction fails for some conversations"
• "BLE connection drops intermittently"

Workflow:

1. Explore and hypothesize
2. Add instrumentation
3. Reproduce bug
4. Analyze logs
5. Make targeted fix
6. Verify and clean up

Mode Switching

• Use mode picker dropdown
• Press Cmd+. (Mac) or Ctrl+. (Windows/Linux)
• Set keyboard shortcuts in settings

Related Resources

• Rule: .cursor/rules/agent-modes.mdc
• Commands: /plan, /ask, /debug