AI coding tools like [Cursor](https://cursor.com/) can speed up development, but they also come with risks. One unchecked merge and your repo might be in trouble. I've seen it happen, and it's not pretty.
Using [Cursor](https://cursor.com/) with GitHub requires discipline. Never connect it to push changes without a human review. Use branches for each task, make small commits, and ensure all changes pass CI tests before merging. PR templates are your friend — note AI changes and always assign a human reviewer.
AI as an Assistant, Not a Decision-Maker
I treat AI tools like [Cursor](https://cursor.com/) as assistants, not decision-makers. They can suggest code, but I wouldn't let them push changes directly to the main branch. This isn't just about trust; it's about maintaining code quality. AI can miss context that a human developer wouldn't.
Keep Your Branches Clean
Every task should have its branch. It's tempting to let AI tools make large changes, but small, focused commits are easier to review and test. This way, if something breaks, you know exactly where to look.
- Use a branch per task
- Make small, focused commits
- Run CI tests before merging
Document and Review Changes
PR templates are invaluable. Note what [Cursor](https://cursor.com/) changed, and always assign a human reviewer. This isn't just bureaucracy; it's a safety net. I've seen too many projects go sideways because someone skipped this step.
- Use PR templates
- Note AI changes
- Assign a human reviewer
For those exploring AI tools further, check out our Cursor vs GitHub Copilot comparison.
Stay disciplined, and your repo will thank you.
