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:

• Agent asks clarifying questions

• Researches codebase

• Creates implementation plan

• You review and edit plan

• 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:

• Explore and hypothesize

• Add instrumentation

• Reproduce bug

• Analyze logs

• Make targeted fix

• 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