How to make Cursor generate shorter code

Sometimes Cursor generates long, overly verbose code because it tries to be “helpful by default.” The simplest way to make Cursor generate shorter code is to explicitly ask for it in the prompt, using constraints like “short,” “minimal,” “no comments,” “only core logic,” or “don’t add abstractions unless necessary.” Cursor listens extremely well to constraints when they’re clear and strict. You can also reduce the context you provide so Cursor won’t try to build a large architectural solution. For very short code, ask Cursor to “rewrite this in the shortest clean version possible, even if less abstract.” This is the most reliable method.

 

Why Cursor writes long code

 

Cursor (like any LLM-based editor) tries to make your code safe, readable, and production-ready. That often means:

• Adding extra helper functions
• Adding verbose error handling
• Using patterns like classes or abstractions even when not needed
• Explaining too much in comments

It’s trying to “future-proof” the code, not make it short. That’s why you need to override that behavior by being specific.

 

Exact phrases that work extremely well in Cursor

 

Tell Cursor things like:

• Write the shortest possible working version.
• No comments, no extra helpers, no abstractions.
• Only the minimal code needed.
• Do not add explanations.
• Keep everything in one function/file.
• Do not generate boilerplate.

Cursor responds strongly to constraints when they're written plainly like this.

 

Example: Long vs short in practice

 

Imagine you ask Cursor: “Create a simple Express route that returns a list of users.” If you're not specific, Cursor will generate a full server with error handlers, schemas, etc. If you add constraints, it compresses nicely.

Short-focused prompt:

Create the shortest working Express route that returns a static list of users.
Only core logic. No comments. No extra abstractions. One file only.

Resulting code might look like:

import express from "express"
const app = express()

app.get("/users", (req, res) => {
  res.json(["alice", "bob"])
})

app.listen(3000)

Because the constraints were explicit, Cursor doesn’t try to be “helpful” by adding padding.

 

Use the Edit Mode to force short rewrites

 

If Cursor generates long code, highlight it and use the sidebar prompt like:

• Rewrite this to the shortest clean version.
• Remove all unnecessary abstraction and keep only core logic.
• Make it concise even if less robust.

Edit Mode is especially strong at shortening code because it's working with the code directly, not imagining an entire system.

 

Reduce the context so Cursor doesn’t “overbuild”

 

If you paste your whole project into the chat or select a huge set of files, Cursor assumes you want a large-scale solution. To avoid that:

• Select only the file you're working on.
• Don’t reference the entire architecture.
• Give short prompts focused on the exact feature.

Less context → simpler code.

 

A practical workflow that works extremely well

 

• Ask Cursor to generate the “shortest version possible.”
• Use Edit Mode to prune anything still too long.
• Iterate with prompts like “shorter,” “tighter,” or “less code.”
• Stop when it’s clear and minimal.

This mimics how senior devs work: get something simple, then only expand if needed.

 

A couple extra tips from real Cursor usage

 

• If Cursor keeps being verbose, add this phrase: “Do NOT add explanations or patterns unless I explicitly ask.”
• If you want ultra-short code, add: “Use the most direct approach even if not ‘best practice’.”
• If the generated code is still too long, tell Cursor: “Remove everything that is not strictly required to run.”

These phrases consistently reduce verbosity.

 

Summary

 

You make Cursor produce shorter code by giving it extremely clear constraints: tell it to be minimal, skip abstractions, and avoid explanations. Use Edit Mode to enforce shortness, and keep the context narrow. Cursor follows these instructions very reliably once you set the boundaries.