Module 1.3: First PM Tasks

Reference Guide

• Time to Complete: 15-20 minutes
• Prerequisites: Module 1.2 (Cursor interface, @ mentions)

Start this module in Cursor: Run /start-1-3 to begin the interactive lesson.

📖 Overview

Learn the three core file operations PMs use daily: editing existing files, creating new formatted files, and analyzing multiple files simultaneously.

Key takeaway: Combine @ mentions with clear instructions to read, edit, create, or synthesize PM documents.

🎯 The Three Core Operations

1. Edit Existing File (Append/Update)

Use when: Adding to meeting notes, updating specs, appending summaries

Pattern:

Read @filename.md and append a summary section to the bottom

What happens:

1. Cursor reads the file
2. Proposes changes in Apply/Reject workflow
3. You review and accept changes
4. Original file gets updated

Example:

Read @meeting-notes-raw.md and append a clean summary section to the bottom of the file

2. Create New File (Transform)

Use when: Converting notes to emails, creating PRDs from meetings, formatting deliverables

Pattern:

Read @source-file.md and create a new file called output-file.md formatted as [format]

What happens:

1. Cursor reads source file
2. Creates new file with transformed content
3. Shows new file in Apply/Reject workflow
4. Original file stays unchanged

Example:

Read @product-sync-notes.md and create a new file called product-sync-email.md formatted as an executive email summary

3. Analyze Multiple Files (Synthesize)

Use when: Synthesizing user interviews, analyzing meeting notes, combining research

Pattern:

Analyze all files in @folder-name and create a new file called output.md with [specific analysis]

What happens:

1. Cursor reads entire folder contents
2. Synthesizes information across all files
3. Creates new document with insights
4. All source files stay unchanged

Example:

Analyze all files in @user-interviews and create a new file called user-research-insights.md with the top 3 pain points and supporting quotes

🔄 Apply/Reject Workflow

Every file operation shows proposed changes before applying them.

How It Works

1. Cursor proposes changes - Shows diff of what will change
2. You review - Check if changes look correct
3. Accept or reject - Click “Accept All” or review individually
4. Changes apply - File gets updated or created

When to Use Each Option

📋 Quick Reference: PM Use Cases

🎯 TaskFlow Examples

Scenario 1: Clean Meeting Notes

You took rough notes in product-strategy-meeting.md during a call. Add a polished summary:

Read @product-strategy-meeting.md and append a clean summary section with key decisions and action items

Scenario 2: Create Executive Update

Transform your weekly team sync notes into an email for your VP:

Read @weekly-sync-notes.md and create vp-update-email.md formatted as an executive summary email

💡 Best Practices

Be Specific with Instructions

❌ Vague:

Make this better

✅ Specific:

Read @notes.md and create summary.md with 3 key takeaways and action items

Use @ Mentions for Context

❌ No context:

Create a PRD

✅ With context:

Read @meeting-notes.md and @user-research.md and create feature-prd.md

Choose the Right Operation

• Append to existing - When you want to keep context/history
• Create new file - When you need different format or audience
• Analyze folder - When patterns span multiple documents

🐛 Troubleshooting

”Cursor created a file but I don’t see it”

Fix: Check the file explorer - new files appear where you specified. Use full path like lesson-modules/1.3-first-tasks/newfile.md if needed.

”Changes aren’t applying when I click Accept”

Fix: Make sure you clicked “Accept All” or accepted each individual change. Check the file in editor to confirm changes applied.

”Cursor edited the wrong file”

Fix: Be specific with @ mentions. Use @folder/filename.md if multiple files have similar names.

”Folder analysis only read some files”

Fix: Ensure all files are saved. Try mentioning the folder directly: @folder-name/ (with trailing slash).

📚 Resources

Official:

• Cursor Documentation - Official feature docs
• Cursor Chat Guide - Using chat interface effectively

Community:

• Cursor Forum - Community support and tips

🚀 What’s Next?

Module 1.3 complete:

• ✅ Edit existing files in place
• ✅ Create new formatted files from sources
• ✅ Analyze multiple files simultaneously
• ✅ Use Apply/Reject workflow

Next: Module 1.4 - Templates & Consistency

Learn how to use templates for consistent document formatting and create reusable patterns for common PM tasks.

Go to Module 1.4 →