Cursor RIPER Framework

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RESEARCH • INNOVATE • PLAN • EXECUTE • REVIEW

A comprehensive AI workflow framework for Cursor IDE that provides structured development processes, persistent memory management, and intelligent context tracking.

Overview

Cursor RIPER is a framework designed to enhance AI-assisted development in Cursor IDE by providing:

• Structured Workflow: RIPER methodology (Research, Innovate, Plan, Execute, Review)
• Persistent Memory: Context preservation across sessions
• Learning System: Capture and apply project-specific learnings
• State Management: Track project phases and development progress
• Safety Protocols: Prevent unintended modifications and ensure quality

Quick Installation

1. Copy framework files to your project:

   cp -r cursor-riper-framework/.cursor /path/to/your/project/
   cp -r cursor-riper-framework/memory-bank /path/to/your/project/

2. Initialize the framework:

   • Open your project in Cursor IDE
   • The framework will auto-detect and initialize on first use
   • Use /start command if starting a new project
   • Use /help to see available commands

Framework Structure

Core Files (Always Active)

.cursor/
├── rules/
│   ├── core.mdc           # Core framework logic and memory management
│   ├── state.mdc          # Project state and phase tracking
│   └── riper-workflow.mdc # RIPER mode specifications
├── archive/
│   └── start-phase.mdc    # Project initialization (archived after setup)
└── cursorignore           # Cursor-specific ignore patterns

Memory Bank (Auto-loaded)

memory-bank/
├── projectbrief.md        # Core requirements and goals
├── systemPatterns.md      # Architecture and technical decisions
├── techContext.md         # Technologies and development setup
├── activeContext.md       # Current work focus and next steps
├── progress.md            # What works, what's left, known issues
└── learnings.md           # Project-specific learnings and corrections

RIPER Workflow

Modes

• RESEARCH: Information gathering and analysis only
• INNOVATE: Brainstorming and creative problem-solving
• PLAN: Create detailed specifications and strategies
• EXECUTE: Implement planned changes
• REVIEW: Validate and assess implementation

Commands

• /research, /innovate, /plan, /execute, /review - Switch modes
• /learn "wrong" "correct" "why" - Record learnings
• /focus X - Set focus area
• /checkpoint - Create save point
• /decision X - Record architectural decision
• /help - Show help guide

Key Features

1. Memory Management

• Persistent Context: Maintains project understanding across sessions
• Automatic Updates: Memory hooks trigger updates based on activities
• Learning System: Captures and applies project-specific knowledge

2. Safety Protocols

• Mode Enforcement: Prevents implementation without planning
• Change Validation: Requires explicit confirmation for destructive operations
• State Consistency: Validates transitions and maintains integrity

3. Workflow Structure

• Phase Management: Tracks project lifecycle (Initialization → Development → Maintenance)
• Mode Transitions: Enforces logical workflow progression
• Context Awareness: Leverages Cursor IDE features for enhanced productivity

Installation for New Projects

Option 1: Fresh Installation

# Copy framework to new project
cp -r cursor-riper-framework/.cursor /path/to/new/project/
mkdir -p /path/to/new/project/memory-bank

# Open in Cursor IDE and run:
# /start

Option 2: Existing Project

# Copy framework to existing project
cp -r cursor-riper-framework/.cursor /path/to/existing/project/
cp -r cursor-riper-framework/memory-bank /path/to/existing/project/

# Framework will auto-detect existing project state

Usage Examples

Starting a New Feature

/research
# Investigate requirements and existing code

/innovate
# Brainstorm implementation approaches

/plan
# Create detailed implementation plan

/execute
# Implement the planned solution

/review
# Validate implementation and document results

Recording Learnings

/learn "used wrong Rails command" "use rails r not rails console" "rails r is for scripts, console is for interactive sessions"

Managing Focus

/focus "API authentication system"
/checkpoint "Authentication middleware implemented"
/decision "Using JWT tokens for stateless auth"

Framework Philosophy

1. Explicit over Implicit: Clear workflows prevent assumptions
2. Memory over Repetition: Context preservation reduces redundant work
3. Safety over Speed: Validation prevents costly mistakes
4. Learning over Forgetting: Capture knowledge for future application

Troubleshooting

Framework Not Loading

• Ensure .cursor/rules/ directory exists with all .mdc files
• Check that state.mdc has valid PROJECT_PHASE value
• Verify Cursor IDE is recognizing the .cursor directory

Memory Bank Issues

• Create memory-bank/ directory if missing
• Use /checkpoint to force memory updates
• Check activeContext.md for current status

Command Not Working

• Use /help to see available commands
• Ensure you're in the correct mode for the operation
• Check state.mdc for current PROJECT_PHASE

Contributing

The CursorRIPER Framework is designed to be:

• Modular: Components can be enhanced independently
• Extensible: New modes and commands can be added
• Customizable: Adapt workflows to project needs

Version History

• 1.0.3: Optimized 3-file structure, integrated learning system
• 1.0.2: Enhanced memory hooks and state management
• 1.0.1: Initial RIPER workflow implementation
• 1.0.0: Core framework and memory bank system

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Cursor RIPER Framework - Enhancing AI-assisted development through structured workflows and persistent intelligence.