Using SnapBack with Cursor

Cursor is a powerful AI-first code editor. SnapBack automatically detects Cursor’s AI features and creates protective snapshots.

Automatic Detection

SnapBack detects Cursor activity through multiple signals:

• Composer mode — AI-generated code blocks
• Tab completions — AI-suggested completions
• Chat edits — Code changes from Cursor chat
• Multi-file edits — When Cursor modifies multiple files

No configuration needed—install both and they work together.

What Gets Protected

When Cursor’s AI makes changes, SnapBack:

1. Before the change — Creates a snapshot of affected files
2. During the change — Tracks which files are modified
3. After the change — Logs the change with AI context

Example Scenario

CopyYou: "Add authentication to this Express app"
Cursor: Modifies 5 files (routes, middleware, config)

SnapBack automatically:
→ Snapshots all 5 files before changes
→ Groups them as a session
→ Enables one-click restore if needed

Installation

Since Cursor is VS Code-based, installation is identical:

1. Open Cursor
2. Go to Extensions (Cmd+Shift+X)
3. Search “SnapBack”
4. Click Install

Both run automatically with zero configuration.

Detection Performance

SnapBack’s Cursor detection works across all AI modes:

Troubleshooting

SnapBack not detecting Cursor

1. Ensure both extensions are enabled
2. Check SnapBack status bar shows “Protected” (🟢)
3. Verify Cursor AI features are active (not just text editing)

Too many snapshots

If SnapBack creates too many snapshots during normal editing:

Copy// .snapbackrc
{
  "aiDetection": {
    "sensitivity": "medium"
  }
}

Detection delays

Cursor detection is near-instant (under 50ms). If experiencing delays:

1. Check VS Code performance settings
2. Ensure adequate system resources
3. Report an issue

Best Practices

1. Let it run — Don’t disable snapshots during Cursor sessions
2. Review sessions — Use the timeline to review AI changes together
3. Provide feedback — Report false positives to improve detection
4. Use dashboard — Track AI-assisted coding patterns

Next Steps

• View AI detection stats
• Understanding protection states
• Learn about MCP tools