How to analyze stack traces with Cursor

You analyze stack traces in Cursor by pasting or triggering the error output in the integrated terminal, then using Cursor’s Cmd/Ctrl + K “explain this” feature on the stack trace or on the specific files it points to. Cursor reads the file paths and line numbers in the trace, opens those files for you, highlights the exact lines, and you can ask it to explain what caused the failure, how the functions connect, and what likely fix is needed. The workflow is basically: get the stack trace → click or paste into Cursor → ask Cursor to navigate and explain → inspect the relevant code → apply or request a safe refactor. This is one of the things Cursor is genuinely good at.

 

What a Stack Trace Actually Is

 

A stack trace is simply a list of functions your program was running right before it crashed. Each line usually contains:

• File path — where the code lives on disk.
• Line number — the exact line that executed.
• Function name — which function was called.
• Error message — what actually went wrong (e.g., TypeError, ReferenceError, Python KeyError).

Cursor is good at following those file/line references across your local codebase.

 

Step-by-Step: How to Analyze a Stack Trace in Cursor

 

This is the real workflow most devs use in Cursor daily.

• Trigger the error in the integrated terminal. This could be running a Node server, Django app, CLI script, tests, anything.
• Select the stack trace in the terminal and press Cmd/Ctrl + K. This opens the AI panel already focused on that error output.
• Ask Cursor to open the files mentioned. The trace will have lines like:
  
  \`\`\`shell at /src/routes/user.js:42:17 \`\`\`
  Cursor can jump directly to user.js line 42 automatically.
• Let Cursor explain what happened. For example, you can prompt:
  
  “Explain the root cause of this stack trace. Show how the functions connect.”
• Check the chain of functions. Cursor can read multiple files and follow the call sequence, which is extremely helpful in large codebases.
• Validate the explanation. Cursor is good, but not perfect. Always read the code around the indicated line to confirm the AI’s understanding.
• Apply a safe fix, either manually or by asking Cursor:
  
  “Propose a minimal diff-only fix for this error.”
• Re-run the code in the terminal to verify the fix.

 

A Real Example

 

Imagine you run a Node server and get this stack trace in Cursor’s terminal:

TypeError: Cannot read properties of undefined (reading 'email')
    at getUser (/src/services/userService.js:12:18)
    at /src/routes/user.js:42:17
    at Layer.handle [as handle_request] (/node_modules/express/lib/router/layer.js:95:5)

Here’s how you use Cursor:

• Select the entire trace → Cmd/Ctrl + K.
• Cursor opens userService.js at line 12.

You might see something like:

function getUser(id) {
  const user = db.findById(id)  // user might be undefined
  return user.email             // this crashes if user is undefined!
}

Cursor will usually point this out and propose a guard. A minimal safe fix might look like:

function getUser(id) {
  const user = db.findById(id)

  if (!user) {
    throw new Error("User not found")  // better explicit error
  }

  return user.email
}

You apply the diff or paste it yourself, rerun in terminal, and confirm the error is fixed.

 

Tips for Using Cursor Effectively with Stack Traces

 

• Keep the stack trace intact. Don’t trim lines before giving it to Cursor.
• Let Cursor open files instead of jumping manually. It’s faster and avoids mistakes.
• Ask for explanations in plain language if you’re new to the codebase.
• Use diff mode for fixes so you can review what Cursor changes.
• Trust but verify. Cursor is smart but can overconfidently guess; always read the code around the error.

 

Why Cursor Works Well for This

 

Stack traces reference multiple files, often scattered across services or modules. Cursor’s biggest superpower is multi-file awareness. You give it the trace, it navigates the file tree instantly, follows the full call path, and explains the failure in context. It’s basically a senior dev walking through the error with you, minus the calendar availability issues.