YOLO Mode in Cursor: Hands-Free AI Code Execution

Cursor YOLO Mode allows Agent Mode to execute terminal commands and delete files without confirmation prompts. ## Enabling YOLO Mode 1. Open **Settings** (Ctrl+Shift+J) 2. Navigate to **Agents** in the sidebar 3. Change the setting to **"Run Everything"** ## Configuration Options - **Custom prompt**: Instructions for what the AI should do - **Allow list**: Specific commands the AI can execute automatically - **Deny list**: Commands that should never be auto-executed ## What YOLO Mode Does The AI can automatically: - Install packages (npm install, pip install) - Start and stop dev servers - Check terminal output and run follow-up commands - Execute build and test commands - Create and modify files without confirmation ## Safety Practices 1. **Only use in sandboxed or Git-backed projects** 2. Set up deny lists for destructive commands (rm -rf, DROP TABLE) 3. Keep a terminal visible to monitor execution 4. Be ready to hit **Stop** if the AI goes off-track 5. **Always commit before enabling YOLO mode** ## Best Use Cases - Rapid prototyping and MVPs - Routine refactoring tasks - Automated test running and fixing - Package installation and configuration - Setting up new projects from scratch ## Important Warning Babysit YOLO mode sessions. The AI can confidently go off-track and introduce worse bugs while "fixing" others. It's common to need to stop and redirect.