Tool Migration Checklist

This comprehensive checklist helps you migrate smoothly from your current development tools to Cursor IDE or Claude Code, minimizing disruption and maximizing productivity.

Pre-Migration Assessment

Migration Readiness Checklist

Before starting migration, assess your readiness:

• Current tool usage documented
• Team buy-in secured
• Budget approved
• Training time allocated
• Pilot users identified
• Success metrics defined
• Rollback plan prepared
• IT/Security approval obtained

Migration Paths

To Cursor IDE

From VS Code

1. One-Click Import

   • Open Cursor Settings (Cmd/Ctrl+Shift+J)
   • Navigate to General → Account
   • Click “Import” under VS Code Import
   • Transfers: extensions, themes, settings, keybindings

2. Manual Migration (if needed)

   • Export VS Code profile
   • Import via Cursor’s profile system
   • Verify all extensions loaded

3. Cursor-Specific Setup

   • Configure AI models
   • Set up privacy mode
   • Create project rules
   • Enable Max mode if subscribed

From JetBrains IDEs

1. Install Keybinding Extension

   cursor:extension/k--kato.intellij-idea-keybindings

2. Recreate Core Features

   • Install language-specific extensions
   • Configure debuggers
   • Set up database tools
   • Import code templates

3. Key Differences to Note

   • File navigation: Use Ctrl+P instead of double Shift
   • Refactoring: Different shortcuts, similar capabilities
   • Built-in tools: May need extensions

From GitHub Copilot

1. Workflow Adaptation

   • Copilot inline → Cursor Tab
   • Copilot chat → Cursor Agent (Ctrl+I)
   • Comments → Natural language in chat

2. Feature Mapping

   • Ghost text → Tab completions
   • Explain code → Ask mode
   • Fix suggestions → Inline edit (Ctrl+K)

3. Habit Changes

   • More conversational approach
   • Leverage @ symbols for context
   • Use agent for multi-file changes

To Claude Code

From Any IDE

1. CLI Installation

   npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code

2. Authentication Setup

   • Get API key from Anthropic
   • Run claude and follow prompts
   • Configure default model

3. Project Initialization

   • Navigate to project root
   • Run /init to create CLAUDE.md
   • Document project structure

4. IDE Integration

   • Install Claude Code extension
   • Configure launch shortcuts
   • Set up terminal preferences

From Cursor IDE

1. Mental Model Shift

   • Visual → Terminal interface
   • Sidebar chat → Full terminal
   • Inline edits → Autonomous changes

2. Workflow Translation

   • Agent mode → Default Claude behavior
   • @ symbols → File references in prompts
   • Project rules → CLAUDE.md

3. Feature Alternatives

   • Tab complete → Use Cursor for this
   • Visual diff → Terminal diff view
   • Checkpoints → Git commits

Team Migration Strategy

Phase 1: Pilot Program (Weeks 1-2)

Pilot Setup

1. Select 2-3 power users

   • Different skill levels
   • Various project types
   • Willing early adopters

2. Document current workflows

   • Common tasks
   • Pain points
   • Time measurements

3. Provide intensive support

   • Daily check-ins
   • Quick issue resolution
   • Feedback collection

Phase 2: Gradual Rollout (Weeks 3-6)

1. Expand to early adopters (25% of team)
2. Create internal documentation
3. Host lunch-and-learn sessions
4. Develop best practices guide
5. Set up Slack channel for questions

Phase 3: Full Migration (Weeks 7-12)

1. Migrate remaining team members
2. Provide formal training sessions
3. Create video tutorials
4. Establish office hours
5. Monitor adoption metrics

Configuration Migration

Settings Transfer

VS Code → Cursor

~/.config/Code/User/settings.json

// settings.json locations
// Cursor: ~/.config/Cursor/User/settings.json

// Copy these sections:
{
  "editor": { /* all settings */ },
  "workbench": { /* all settings */ },
  "terminal": { /* all settings */ },
  "git": { /* all settings */ },
  // Add Cursor-specific:
  "cursor.ai": {
    "model": "claude-sonnet-4",
    "maxTokens": 8192
  }
}

Any → Claude Code

# Create global config
claude config set model claude-sonnet-4
claude config set privacy_mode true
claude config set audit_logging false

# Project-specific setup
echo "# Project Guidelines" > CLAUDE.md
echo "- Use TypeScript" >> CLAUDE.md
echo "- Follow ESLint rules" >> CLAUDE.md
echo "- Write tests for new features" >> CLAUDE.md

Extension/Plugin Migration

VS Code Extension	Cursor Alternative	Claude Code Alternative
GitLens	Built-in + GitLens	Git CLI + MCP
ESLint	Same extension	CLI linting
Prettier	Same extension	CLI formatting
Live Share	Background Agent	Screen sharing
Remote SSH	Same extension	Direct SSH + Claude

Workflow Adaptations

Code Review Workflow

Previous Workflow

1. Create feature branch
2. Write code with Copilot
3. Manual PR creation
4. Human code review
5. Address feedback manually

Cursor Workflow

1. Create feature branch
2. Use Agent mode for implementation
3. AI generates PR description
4. BugBot + human review
5. Use Agent to address feedback

Claude Code Workflow

1. claude → describe feature
2. Claude creates branch
3. Claude implements + tests
4. claude commit with message
5. /review before pushing

Debugging Workflow

Workflow Evolution

Before: Set breakpoints → Step through → Inspect variables

Cursor: Describe bug → Agent investigates → Suggests fix → Apply inline

Claude Code: Paste error → Claude adds logging → Run → Claude fixes

Common Challenges & Solutions

Challenge 1: Muscle Memory

Overcoming Habits

Problem: Reaching for old shortcuts/commands

Solutions:

• Print shortcut cheatsheet
• Practice daily for 2 weeks
• Use command palette initially
• Pair with experienced user
• Be patient with yourself

Challenge 2: Trust Issues

Building Confidence

Problem: Not trusting AI suggestions

Solutions:

• Start with low-risk tasks
• Always review changes
• Use version control liberally
• Test thoroughly
• Gradually increase complexity

Challenge 3: Context Overload

Managing Information

Problem: Providing too much/little context

Solutions:

• Learn @ symbol usage (Cursor)
• Master CLAUDE.md (Claude Code)
• Practice concise prompting
• Use /clear frequently
• Focus conversations

Success Metrics

Individual Metrics

Metric	Measurement	Target
Time to feature	Hours per story point	-20%
Bug rate	Bugs per release	-30%
Code review time	Hours per PR	-40%
Learning curve	Days to proficiency	< 14

Team Metrics

Metric	Measurement	Target
Adoption rate	% actively using	> 80%
Satisfaction	Survey score	> 4/5
Productivity	Velocity change	+25%
Quality	Test coverage	+15%

Migration Timeline

Typical Migration Schedule

Week 1-2: Tool evaluation, pilot setup Week 3-4: Pilot program, feedback Week 5-8: Gradual team rollout Week 9-12: Full migration, optimization Week 13+: Continuous improvement

Total Duration: 3-4 months for full team

Rollback Planning

1. Maintain old tool licenses for 3 months
2. Export all configurations before migrating
3. Document pain points that trigger rollback
4. Set evaluation checkpoint at 30/60/90 days
5. Keep rollback decision criteria objective

Post-Migration Optimization

Month 1: Stabilization

• Focus on basic proficiency
• Address urgent issues
• Collect initial feedback
• Refine documentation

Month 2: Optimization

• Share advanced techniques
• Optimize model selection
• Reduce token usage
• Improve workflows

Month 3: Innovation

• Explore advanced features
• Develop custom commands
• Create team standards
• Measure ROI

Tool-Specific Tips

Cursor Migration Tips

Cursor Best Practices

1. Import everything from VS Code first
2. Configure rules before starting work
3. Use checkpoints liberally
4. Master @ symbols for context
5. Leverage Background Agent for long tasks

Claude Code Migration Tips

Claude Code Best Practices

1. Start with /init in every project
2. Create comprehensive CLAUDE.md
3. Use /clear between tasks
4. Master escape key usage
5. Embrace autonomous operation

Quick Reference Cards

Feature Mapping Reference

Feature	Old Tool	Cursor	Claude Code
Autocomplete	Tab	Tab	Use Cursor
Chat	Separate window	Sidebar	Terminal
Multi-file edit	Manual	Agent mode	Default
Debugging	Breakpoints	Agent + logs	Print + fix
Refactoring	Built-in	Inline edit	Autonomous

Command Translation

Action	VS Code	Cursor	Claude Code
Open file	Ctrl+P	Ctrl+P	Mention in prompt
Search	Ctrl+Shift+F	Same	grep or ask
Replace	Ctrl+H	Same	Describe change
Format	Shift+Alt+F	Same	Automatic
Comment	Ctrl+/	Same	Ask to add

Final Checklist

Ready to Migrate?

• Budget approved
• Team trained
• Workflows documented
• Success metrics defined
• Support system in place
• Rollback plan ready
• Pilot successful
• Documentation updated
• Integration tested
• Go-live date set

Remember: Migration is a journey, not a destination. Continuous improvement is key to maximizing value from your new AI coding tools.