The best Cursor setup for a solo developer is boring on purpose: official install, git branches, a short rules file, Tab for small edits, and Agent for bounded multi-file jobs. In India, start on Hobby, then Start at ₹649/month if Cursor Models suffice, then Pro at $20/mo before tax when you need Other Models. Skip Ultra until measured limits hurt. Recheck pricing quarterly and keep secrets out of prompts. Review diffs in git before you push, and recheck official pricing whenever you change plans.
Editor baseline
Install Cursor, import the extensions you actually need, and open one primary workspace. Enable format-on-save if your stack relies on it so Agent diffs stay reviewable.
Add rules for language version, test command, and forbidden paths. Add a skill only for workflows you repeat weekly. Keep one primary workspace, a short rules file, and a weekly usage check so upgrades are measured decisions. Prefer Start in India when Grok and Composer 2.5 cover your clients; move to Pro only for Other Models needs.
Plan choice for solos
Hobby validates the workflow. Start (India) locks cost at ₹649 tax inclusive for Grok 4.6, 4.5, and Composer 2.5 without Fast mode. Pro unlocks Other Models and paid extras when clients or languages demand them.
Student solos should verify the student discount before paying list Pro. Prefer Start in India when Grok and Composer 2.5 cover your clients; move to Pro only for Other Models needs. Uninstall duplicate editors only after a full month where Cursor handled every extension you rely on.
Weekly operating rhythm
- Monday: check usage against plan.
- During work: Tab first, Agent second.
- Before push: read every AI diff.
Uninstall duplicate editors only after a full month where Cursor handled every extension you rely on. Keep one primary workspace, a short rules file, and a weekly usage check so upgrades are measured decisions. Prefer Start in India when Grok and Composer 2.5 cover your clients; move to Pro only for Other Models needs. Write the intended model pool and plan name into your notes before the session so you do not discover a Start exclusion mid-task. Keep git status clean before agent runs, and recheck Cursor pricing when your seat or model needs change.
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Frequently asked questions
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Do solos need Pro+?
Usually not at first. Use Pro+ ($60/mo before tax) only after Prou2019s limits block your normal week. Ultra is rarely the solo default. Review AI diffs before every push even when you are the only developer on the repo. Verify the live Cursor account meter before you promise capacity.
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What rules should solos write first?
Stack version, test command, and u201cdo not touch secrets or vendor directories.u201d Add more only when Agent makes the same mistake twice. Review AI diffs before every push even when you are the only developer on the repo. Verify the live Cursor account meter before you promise capacity.
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Is Cloud Agents useful alone?
It can be if you work across machines or want paid cloud agent runs. Confirm it on your plan. Many solos do fine with local Agent plus background jobs. Review AI diffs before every push even when you are the only developer on the repo.
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Should solos keep VS Code installed?
Yes for a transition month. Uninstall only when Cursor covers your extensions and muscle memory without friction. Review AI diffs before every push even when you are the only developer on the repo. Verify the live Cursor account meter before you promise capacity.
Sources
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