How to Implement Cursor Rules for WordPress Development

Cursor is an AI-powered code editor that integrates large language models directly into your development environment. Unlike traditional code editors, Cursor provides intelligent code completion, real-time suggestions, and AI-assisted development features that help developers write better code faster. I moved away from VS Code when Cursor first launched and have been using it exclusively since then. Cursor maintains the familiar interface of VS Code while adding powerful AI capabilities that transform how I approach WordPress development.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to implement Cursor Rules effectively for WordPress development, using the Cursor Directory and real-world strategies.

What Are Cursor Rules?

A Cursor Rule is a structured set of guidelines that tells the AI how to generate code according to your specific standards and requirements. Think of it as an instruction manual for the AI that ensures generated code follows your coding standards, project architecture, and best practices. These rules transform AI-assisted WordPress development from unpredictable to reliable. They act as an interpreter for AI, ensuring generated code follows WordPress best practices and your development standards.

Finding WordPress Cursor Rules

Visit cursor.directory and search for “WordPress” to discover community-created rules. You’ll find WordPress plugin development rules, theme development guidelines, WooCommerce standards, and security best practices.

Implementing Cursor Rules in Your Project

Step 1: Create the Rules File

Create a .cursorrules file in your project root:

# In your project directory
touch .cursorrules

Step 2: Choose Your Rules

For this example, we’ll use the WordPress PHP Cursor Rules by Swapnil. These rules provide:

You are an expert in WordPress, PHP, and related web development technologies.

Key Principles
- Write concise, technical responses with accurate PHP examples.
- Follow WordPress coding standards and best practices.
- Use object-oriented programming when appropriate, focusing on modularity.
- Prefer iteration and modularization over duplication.
- Use descriptive function, variable, and file names.
- Use lowercase with hyphens for directories (e.g., wp-content/themes/my-theme).
- Favor hooks (actions and filters) for extending functionality.

PHP/WordPress
- Use PHP 7.4+ features when appropriate (e.g., typed properties, arrow functions).
- Follow WordPress PHP Coding Standards.
- Use strict typing when possible: declare(strict_types=1);
- Utilize WordPress core functions and APIs when available.
- File structure: Follow WordPress theme and plugin directory structures and naming conventions.
- Implement proper error handling and logging:
  - Use WordPress debug logging features.
  - Create custom error handlers when necessary.
  - Use try-catch blocks for expected exceptions.
- Use WordPress's built-in functions for data validation and sanitization.
- Implement proper nonce verification for form submissions.
- Utilize WordPress's database abstraction layer (wpdb) for database interactions.
- Use prepare() statements for secure database queries.
- Implement proper database schema changes using dbDelta() function.

Dependencies
- WordPress (latest stable version)
- Composer for dependency management (when building advanced plugins or themes)

WordPress Best Practices
- Use WordPress hooks (actions and filters) instead of modifying core files.
- Implement proper theme functions using functions.php.
- Use WordPress's built-in user roles and capabilities system.
- Utilize WordPress's transients API for caching.
- Implement background processing for long-running tasks using wp_cron().
- Use WordPress's built-in testing tools (WP_UnitTestCase) for unit tests.
- Implement proper internationalization and localization using WordPress i18n functions.
- Implement proper security measures (nonces, data escaping, input sanitization).
- Use wp_enqueue_script() and wp_enqueue_style() for proper asset management.
- Implement custom post types and taxonomies when appropriate.
- Use WordPress's built-in options API for storing configuration data.
- Implement proper pagination using functions like paginate_links().

Key Conventions
1. Follow WordPress's plugin API for extending functionality.
2. Use WordPress's template hierarchy for theme development.
3. Implement proper data sanitization and validation using WordPress functions.
4. Use WordPress's template tags and conditional tags in themes.
5. Implement proper database queries using $wpdb or WP_Query.
6. Use WordPress's authentication and authorization functions.
7. Implement proper AJAX handling using admin-ajax.php or REST API.
8. Use WordPress's hook system for modular and extensible code.
9. Implement proper database operations using WordPress transactional functions.
10. Use WordPress's WP_Cron API for scheduling tasks.

This comprehensive rule set covers all aspects of WordPress development. It ensures AI generates code that follows WordPress coding standards, implements proper security measures, uses modern PHP features, and follows WordPress best practices. The rules cover everything from basic coding principles to advanced WordPress-specific patterns like hooks, database operations, and plugin architecture.

Practical Implementation Example

Before Rules Implementation

Without proper rules, AI might generate:

// Poor WordPress code
function my_plugin_function() {
    $data = $_POST['data']; // No sanitization
    echo $data; // No escaping
    // Missing proper WordPress structure
}

After Rules Implementation

With proper rules, AI generates:

// Proper WordPress code
function my_plugin_function() {
    // Verify nonce
    if ( ! wp_verify_nonce( $_POST['nonce'], 'my_action' ) ) {
        wp_die( 'Security check failed' );
    }

    // Sanitize input
    $data = sanitize_text_field( $_POST['data'] );

    // Validate data
    if ( empty( $data ) ) {
        return new WP_Error( 'empty_data', 'Data cannot be empty' );
    }

    // Process data
    $result = process_data( $data );

    // Escape output
    echo esc_html( $result );
}

Implementing Cursor Rules for WordPress development transforms AI from a basic code generator into a knowledgeable WordPress development partner. Have fun!