Coding agents are transforming software development by enabling models to run for extended periods and handle complex tasks. Understanding how to effectively use these agents is essential for maximizing their potential. The article outlines best practices for working with Cursor's agent, focusing on key components like instructions, tools, and user messages, which together form the agent harness. Each model responds differently to prompts, so Cursor customizes these elements based on evaluations to ensure developers can concentrate on building software without worrying about compatibility issues. Planning before coding is highlighted as a significant step that experienced developers take. A study from the University of Chicago supports this approach, showing that planning leads to better outcomes. Cursor’s Plan Mode allows developers to create detailed implementation plans, which can be adjusted as needed. This structured approach can save time and improve results when the agent’s output doesn’t align with expectations. Context management is another critical aspect. The agent can pull relevant information from the codebase without requiring manual tagging of every file. Developers should provide necessary context but avoid overloading the agent with irrelevant details. When transitioning to new tasks, it's often more efficient to start fresh rather than continuing a long conversation, as lengthy exchanges can lead to confusion. Additionally, the article introduces two ways to customize agent behavior: Rules, which set static instructions for every conversation, and Skills, which provide dynamic capabilities tailored to specific tasks. To enhance productivity, agents can run in loops until all tests pass, using hooks to automate this process. This setup enables continuous integration and testing, streamlining development workflows. By leveraging these practices and tools, developers can effectively collaborate with coding agents, leading to more efficient software development.