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Class hours may vary, please reach out to contact@ascendientlearning.com if you have any questions.
Foundations of AI Coding Agents with Cursor
Run Cursor as a capable AI coding agent rather than an autocomplete tool. AI coding agent architecture covers context windows, token limits, the plan-execute-iterate cycle, autonomous file and...
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$1,665USD
Duration
2 days
Course Code
AIC-1103
Available Formats
Classroom
Overview
Course Description
Run Cursor as a capable AI coding agent rather than an autocomplete tool. AI coding agent architecture covers context windows, token limits, the plan-execute-iterate cycle, autonomous file and terminal operations, and the permission boundaries that keep agentic operation safe. Context engineering covers prompting strategies, file and codebase reference systems, extended-thinking budgets, and cross-session memory that shapes agent behaviour over a project’s lifetime. Configuration standards, the Model Context Protocol, and practical workflows cover .cursor/rules, AGENTS.md, exclusion strategies, MCP hosts and servers, permission management, code generation, review, testing, debugging, and refactoring. Cursor product features cover Composer modes, multi-file operations, background and parallel agents, the built-in browser, Memories, and BugBot PR review. Hands-on labs produce a configured environment, project-level .cursor/rules, at least one MCP integration, and a working agent-driven workflow. The course is designed for software developers, data scientists, and anyone integrating an AI coding agent into daily team workflows.
Skills Gained
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Apply prompt engineering and context-management techniques to Cursor
- Configure Cursor for IDE workflows and per-project conventions
- Drive code generation, refactoring, testing, and debugging through Cursor’s agentic operation
- Integrate Model Context Protocol servers to extend Cursor’s reach
- Evaluate Cursor’s output against project quality and security standards
Who Can Benefit
This course is designed for:
- Software Developers
- Data Scientists & Analysts
- Anyone interested in coding agents
Prerequisites
Participants should enter this course with:
- Familiarity using Generative AI
- Practical Python experience
Organizational Objectives
This course assists organizations to:
- Accelerate first-draft code production through agent-driven generation, refactoring, and test scaffolding
- Reduce review cycles by codifying tool conventions in .cursor/rules and shared configuration
- Keep AI tool use inside permission boundaries via MCP server allowlists and reviewed config hierarchies
- Build a team-wide working knowledge of Cursor in two days
Software
All attendees must have a modern web browser and an Internet connection.
Course Details
Course Details
Module 1 - AI Coding Agent Foundations
By the end of this module, you will be able to describe how modern AI coding agents are architected, recognize the plan-execute-iterate loop in action, and apply the permission and review controls that keep autonomous file, terminal, and Git operations safe to delegate.
- AI coding agent architecture and components
- Context windows and token limits
- Agentic operation and the plan-execute-iterate cycle
- Autonomous file, terminal, and Git operations
- Reviewing and accepting proposed changes
- Tool permissions and safety controls
- Hands-on Lab: Walk a coding agent through a small refactor end-to-end, exercising the permission and review controls before any change is committed.
Module 2 - Context Engineering
By the end of this module, you will be able to apply zero-shot, few-shot, and chain-of-thought prompting to a coding agent, attach relevant code and docs through reference systems, and budget extended thinking and persistent memory so the agent stays focused on the task.
- Context management fundamentals
- Prompting techniques (zero-shot, few-shot, chain-of-thought)
- Reference systems (@file, @codebase, @docs, @web)
- Extended thinking modes and budget allocation
- Memory and cross-session persistence
- Hands-on Lab: Refine a vague coding request into a focused prompt that pulls in the right reference context and budgets extended thinking appropriately.
Module 3 - Configuration Standards
By the end of this module, you will be able to author a project-level configuration file (CLAUDE.md, AGENTS.md, or tool-specific equivalent), organize the configuration hierarchy under version control, and apply exclusion strategies to keep sensitive material out of agent context.
- Configuration file hierarchy and version control
- Universal context configuration (e.g., CLAUDE.md) and cross-tool compatibility
- AGENTS.md format and conventions
- Tool-specific configuration files
- File exclusion strategies
- Hands-on Lab: Author a project-level CLAUDE.md (or AGENTS.md) that captures the team’s conventions, exclusions, and review expectations.
Module 4 - Model Context Protocol (MCP)
By the end of this module, you will be able to describe the MCP host, client, and server roles, install and configure an MCP server, recognize the primitives the protocol exposes, and apply permission management appropriate to the tools the server grants access to.
- MCP architecture (hosts, clients, servers)
- MCP primitives (tools, resources, prompts)
- Configuration and server installation
- Security considerations and permission management
- Hands-on Lab: Install one MCP server, exercise its primitives from a coding agent, and audit the permission surface it introduces.
Module 5 - Practical Workflows
By the end of this module, you will be able to drive a coding agent across realistic tasks — generation, review, testing, debugging, refactoring, documentation, and Git operations — and recognize where agentic operation belongs inside an existing development workflow.
- Code generation and multi-file scaffolding
- Automated code review and security scanning
- Test generation and test-driven workflows
- Agent-driven debugging and error diagnosis
- Refactoring patterns (single-file and multi-file)
- Documentation generation and Git integration with automated commit messages
- Hands-on Lab: Run a single feature ticket through generation, review, test, and documentation steps, then have the agent prepare the commit.
Module 6 - Cursor Features
By the end of this module, you will be able to operate Cursor’s Composer in Ask, Edit, Agent, and Plan modes, run background and parallel agents, capture project conventions in .cursor/rules, and use Cursor’s PR-review integration on a real change.
- Cursor Tab predictive edits and tab-to-jump navigation
- Composer modes (Ask, Edit, Agent, Plan) and multi-file operations
- Background agents, remote execution, and parallel multi-agent runs
- Built-in browser, live preview, and Cursor Memories (automatic and managed)
- BugBot PR review integration
- .cursor/rules/*.mdc configuration and activation modes
- Hands-on Lab: Configure Cursor with project rules and run a multi-file Composer task alongside a background agent on the same repository.
Schedule
FAQ
Does the course schedule include a Lunchbreak?
Classes typically include a 1-hour lunch break around midday. However, the exact break times and duration can vary depending on the specific class. Your instructor will provide detailed information at the start of the course.
What languages are used to deliver training?
Most courses are conducted in English, unless otherwise specified. Some courses will have the word "FRENCH" marked in red beside the scheduled date(s) indicating the language of instruction.
What does GTR stand for?
GTR stands for Guaranteed to Run; if you see a course with this status, it means this event is confirmed to run. View our GTR page to see our full list of Guaranteed to Run courses.
How do I find an Ascendient Learning training location?
We have training locations across the United States and Canada - View a complete list of classroom training locations.
Which delivery formats are available?
At Ascendient Learning, we offer training that is Instructor-Led, Online, Virtual, and Self-Paced.
Does Ascendient Learning deliver group training?
Yes, we provide training for groups, individuals and private on sites. View our group training page for more information.
What does vendor-authorized training mean?
As a vendor-authorized training partner, we offer a curriculum that our partners have vetted. We use the same course materials and facilitate the same labs as our vendor-delivered training. These courses are considered the gold standard and, as such, are priced accordingly.
Is the training too basic, or will you go deep into technology?
It depends on your requirements, your role in your company, and your depth of knowledge. The good news about many of our learning paths, you can start from the fundamentals to highly specialized training.
How up-to-date are your courses and support materials?
We continuously work with our vendors to evaluate and refresh course material to reflect the latest training courses and best practices.
Are your instructors seasoned trainers who have deep knowledge of the training topic?
Ascendient Learning instructors have an average of 27 years of practical IT experience and have also served as consultants for an average of 15 years. To stay current, instructors spend at least 25 percent of their time learning new, emerging technologies and courses.
Do you provide hands-on training and exercises in an actual lab environment?
Lab access is dependent on the vendor and the type of training you sign up for. However, many of our top vendors will provide lab access to students to test and practice. The course description will specify lab access.
Will you customize the training for our company’s specific needs and goals?
We will work with you to identify training needs and areas of growth. We offer a variety of training methods, such as private group training, on-site of your choice, and virtually. We provide courses and certifications that are aligned with your business goals.
How do I get started with certification?
Getting started on a certification pathway depends on your goals and the vendor you choose to get certified in. Many vendors offer entry-level IT certification to advanced IT certification that can boost your career. To get access to certification vouchers and discounts, please contact info@ascendientlearning.com.
Will I get access to content after I complete a course?
You will get access to the PDF of course books and guides, but access to the recording and slides will depend on the vendor and type of training you receive.
How do I request a W9 for Ascendient Learning?
View our filing status and how to request a W9.
Reviews
This course is important because we work at CSOC and it's applicable to our daily work.
vary good online learning. instructor is vary good the way he explained every thing.
Instructor knew her stuff. Long time in the industry. Course was easy to follow and very informative.
Great oppportunity for me to get training on the software during my work day.
I think the platform is very good and look forward to taking my next course in early October.
