Best Cursor Prompt for “Write API Documentation”
Cursor works best with goal-oriented prompts that include @-references to specific files and directories. As an AI code editor, it needs clear scope boundaries — what to modify and what NOT to touch — along with direct action verbs like Add, Refactor, Fix, or Extract. This free template is optimized specifically for Cursor, achieving approximately 37% token reduction compared to unoptimized prompts while producing higher quality output.
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Optimized Cursor Prompt
Goal: Write comprehensive API documentation for a given REST endpoint. The documentation should clearly explain the endpoint's purpose, request parameters, response structure, and potential error codes. Context: Analyze the existing code for the REST endpoint located at @src/controllers/ and @src/routes/ to understand its functionality. Use @src/utils/apiResponses.ts as a reference for standard response formats and @src/types/index.ts for relevant TypeScript interfaces. Constraints: Follow OpenAPI 3.0 specifications for documentation structure. Ensure all request parameters (path, query, body) and response fields are documented. Include examples for request bodies and responses. Document all possible HTTP status codes and their meanings for this endpoint. Do not modify any existing code files. Output: Generate a Markdown file named `api-docs.md` to be placed in the `@docs/api/` directory. The file should contain the complete API documentation for the endpoint, including a clear title, description, parameters, request body schema, responses for success and error codes, and example requests/responses.
Why This Cursor Prompt for “Write API Documentation” Works Better
When you type “Write API documentation for my REST endpoint” into Cursor, it lacks structure — Cursor has to guess what format you want, how detailed to go, and what to prioritize. The optimized version removes that guesswork.
It adds @-references to specific files and directories, defines clear scope boundaries, and uses direct action verbs — giving Cursor the precise context it needs to make accurate code changes.
This Prompt Optimized for Other AI Models
Each AI model processes instructions differently. See how this same prompt is optimized for:
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a good Cursor prompt for write api documentation?
Cursor works best with goal-oriented prompts that include @-references to specific files and directories. As an AI code editor, it needs clear scope boundaries — what to modify and what NOT to touch — along with direct action verbs like Add, Refactor, Fix, or Extract.
Can I use this prompt template for free?
Yes — copy the optimized prompt below and paste it directly into Cursor. For unlimited prompt optimization across all 5 AI models, try PromptOptimizr free with 10 prompts per month. You can also use the Chrome extension to optimize prompts directly inside your AI chat.
Why is this prompt different from a generic one?
Each AI model processes instructions differently. Cursor has specific formatting preferences — this prompt is structured to work with those preferences, not against them. The result is better output quality with approximately 37% fewer tokens.
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