AI coding glossary
Rules (.cursorrules, .clinerules, .windsurfrules)
Also known as: cursor rules, cursorrules, clinerules, windsurfrules, project rules
In one sentence
Always-on, tool-specific project context files (.cursorrules, .clinerules, .windsurfrules) that load on every conversation, distinct from on-demand skills.
Full definition
Rules are tool-specific project context files that load automatically on every AI conversation. Cursor uses `.cursorrules` (legacy single file) or `.cursor/rules/*.mdc` (newer scoped files). Cline uses `.clinerules`. Windsurf uses `.windsurfrules`. Rules are best for ambient context (tech stack, conventions, forbidden patterns) that should apply to every interaction. Skills (SKILL.md) are better for specific recurring jobs that have explicit triggers. Most teams use both, rules for project context, skills for specific tasks.