Learn Cursor, P5 and React

Creating powerful and context-aware tools for Cursor IDE becomes straightforward when leveraging information directly from your current project. In this lesson, you'll learn how to build a custom MCP (model context protocol) tool that intelligently requests essential details—such as the current project path and conversation summaries—from your Cursor project.

Workflow demonstrated in this lesson:

- Define MCP tool parameters to request specific project details.
- Pass project path and conversation summaries into your MCP tool.
- Automatically write or update files within your current project using these parameters.

Key benefits:

- Automate tasks with precision based on your active project's context.
- Simplify interactions by creating AI-driven CLI commands tailored to your needs.
- Open endless possibilities for integrating external APIs and advanced automation.

Through this practical demonstration, you'll gain a versatile technique for enhancing your development workflow in Cursor IDE.

[https://github.com/johnlindquist/mcp-cursor-tool-starter](https://github.com/johnlindquist/mcp-cursor-tool-starter)

John Lindquist

Build MCP Tools Using Project Context for Custom Cursor IDE Automation

Setting up custom MCP (Machine Command Protocol) servers in Cursor can involve tedious steps, such as configuring node paths or referencing additional commands. This lesson shows how to streamline this process by bundling your MCP server directly into a standalone executable.

Workflow demonstrated in this lesson:

- Use a simple MCP server project starter.
- Run a single bundling command to create an executable.
- Right-click the generated executable, copy its full path, and add that directly to your Cursor settings.

Key benefits:

- Eliminates the need for complex node path configurations.
- Simplifies the setup and integration of custom MCP servers into Cursor.
- Makes the server executable instantly accessible within your Cursor environment.

By following this streamlined approach, you can quickly and easily integrate custom MCP servers into Cursor, making your development workflow cleaner and more efficient.

[https://github.com/johnlindquist/mcp-cursor-tool-starter]()

Easy MCP Server Setup in Cursor IDE with Bundled Executables

In this lesson, we explore how TanStack Router integrates with the [native browser history API](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/API/History) to manage navigation.

As we navigate through different routes, the URL changes are stored in the browser's history, allowing users to use the forward and backward buttons to traverse their navigation history.

This functionality also **enables permalinks**, meaning users can copy and paste URLs to access specific routes directly.

Additionally, we learn how to programmatically interact with the history object to move forward or backward through the navigation stack, enhancing the user experience by providing full control over navigation actions.

This compatibility with the native history API ensures that TanStack Router applications behave similarly to traditional websites, offering a seamless and intuitive user experience.

Tomasz Ducin

Browse History in Tanstack Router

Browse history in TanStack React Router using the native history API for seamless navigation

In this lesson, we explore how to hook into TanStack Router's lifecycle hooks to execute custom logic during route changes.

The hooks we'll look into are: `onEnter`, `onStay`, and `onLeave`, which are triggered when entering, staying within, or leaving a route, respectively.

All hooks receive a detailed match parameter, providing information about the route's path, ID, and tons of other details.

This allows for the implementation of features like animations or logging when navigating between routes.

We also learn how to use these hooks to track and manage state changes as users interact with the application, making it easier to implement complex behaviors based on route transitions.

Hook into Route Lifecycle Hooks in Tanstack Router

Hook into TanStack React Router's lifecycle hooks for custom route logic and animations.

In this lesson, we learn how to handle not found errors in TanStack Router by using the `notFoundComponent` at both nested and global levels.

To trigger the display of a `notFoundComponent`, we must throw a specific error using the `notFound` function within a loader or other lifecycle method of a route. This approach allows us to provide custom error messages for specific routes or globally across the application.

We explore how to define a notFoundComponent within a specific route's configuration and how to set a `defaultNotFoundComponent` at the router global level, which applies to all routes unless overridden locally. This flexibility ensures that users receive meaningful feedback when encountering non-existent routes.

Provide NotFoundComponent at Nested Route or Global Level in Tanstack Router

Handle notFound errors in TanStack Router with notFoundComponent at nested or global levels.



In this lesson, we learn how to access dynamic route parameters using the `useParams` hook in TanStack Router.

When used with a specific `Route` object, `useParams` provides type-safe access to route parameters, ensuring that TypeScript knows the exact types of these parameters.

This approach eliminates the possibility of undefined/optional values, making it safer for accessing parameters like `employeeId`.

However, when using `useParams` globally without specifying a route, it requires an options object with `{ strict: false }`, which reduces type safety.

In this case, the hook can access parameters from any route in the application, but it does not guarantee their existence or type. This flexibility allows components to be reused across different routes, but it requires careful handling of potential errors.



Access Dynamic Route Parameters with useParams in Tanstack Router

Access dynamic route parameters with useParams in TanStack React Router for type-safe routing.

In this lesson, we learn how to reorganize file-based routes in TanStack Router to accommodate nested routing structures.

We explore how to create additional nested routes by converting files into directories, allowing for further nesting.

For example, to create a nested route like `/employees/$employeeId/edit`, we can create a **directory** (!) named `$employeeId` and place an `index.tsx` file inside it to define the route component for this nested route.

This approach provides flexibility in organizing files while maintaining the convention that file names and locations align with route paths. We also see how to adapt existing components and loaders to work with these reorganized routes, enabling features like edit forms or delete actions (or whatever) within nested routes.


Reorganize File-Based Routes in Tanstack Router

Reorganize file-based routes in TanStack Router for flexible nested routing.



In this lesson, we learn how to parametrize the loader for a nested route in TanStack Router.

We focus on a nested route like `/employees/$employeeId`, where the `$employeeId` is a **dynamic parameter**.

To fetch data for this route, we use a `loader` function that accesses the `$employeeId` parameter. This is achieved by using the params object available in the `loader` function, which contains the dynamic segments of the URL. We then use this parameter to call a function like `getEmployeeById`, which fetches specific employee details from an API.

We highlights that TanStack Router **automatically infers types** for these parameters, ensuring type safety for nested routes.

Parametrize Route Loader for Nested Route in Tanstack Router

Parametrize nested route loaders in TanStack Router using path parameters

In this lesson, we learn how to create nested routes and outlets in TanStack Router using file-based routing.

We start by creating a new `employees` directory and files to represent nested routes, such as `/employees/$employeeId`. The `$` symbol is used to denote dynamic parameters.

We then use the `<Link>` component from TanStack Router to create links to these nested routes, passing necessary parameters.

To render the nested content, we use the `<Outlet>` component (nested), which automatically renders child routes. This approach allows us to dynamically display stuff under a nested route.

All the time, the TanStack Router generator automatically updates the route tree based on file changes - our routing configuration remains consistent 🔥



Create Nested Route and Nested Outlets in Tanstack Router

Create nested routes and outlets in TanStack Router using file-based routing

In this lesson, we learn how to configure `staleTime` and `gcTime` in TanStack Router to manage data caching and freshness.

The `staleTime` parameter determines how long data is considered **fresh** before it is refetched in the background, while the `gcTime` parameter controls how long data is kept in the cache before being **removed**.

By default, **data is considered stale immediately**, but we can adjust these times to suit our needs. For example, setting `staleTime` to 10 seconds (10,000 milliseconds) means that if a user navigates back to a route within that time, the cached data will be used and refetched in the background.

Adjusting `gcTime` affects how long data remains cached after a route is unloaded. These settings help balance data freshness with performance by minimizing unnecessary network requests.

Configure staleTime and gcTime in Tanstack Router

Configure staleTime and gcTime in TanStack Router for data caching and freshness

In this lesson, we explore how TanStack Router caches data returned from a route's `loader` function.

This caching mechanism is focused on the data fetched by the `loader` (!), not the component's rendered markup (i.e. unlike React's `memo`).

We learn how to view cached data using TanStack Router DevTools, where we can see details like the `age`, `staleTime`, and garbage collection `gcTime` for each route's loader data.

These settings control how long data remains fresh and when it is refetched or removed from the cache. For example, the stale time determines how long cached data is considered fresh before being refetched in the background, while the GC time controls how long data is kept after a route is unloaded.

Cache Route Loader Data in Tanstack Router

Cache route loader data in TanStack Router using built-in caching features.

In this lesson, we explore how to use **route preloading** in TanStack Router to enhance user experience by loading data before navigating to a route.

[Preloading](https://tanstack.com/router/latest/docs/framework/react/guide/preloading) is triggered when a user hovers over the `<Link>` component, assuming they are likely to click it next.

This feature is enabled by default for routes with loaders and can be disabled by setting the `preload` flag to `false` in the route configuration.

We also discuss how preloading interacts with configuration options like `staleTime` and  `gcTime` (garbage collection time), which affect how often data is refreshed or removed.

By leveraging preloading, applications can reduce the delay when switching between routes, providing a smoother user experience.

Preload Routes in Tanstack Router

Preload routes in TanStack Router using hover-based Link preloading strategy for faster navigation

In this lesson, we learn how to use the loader option in TanStack Router to fetch data for a route.

We start by moving hardcoded data from a component to a loader function, which typically makes an HTTP request to fetch data.

The loader function returns a promise, and we consume this data in the component using the `useLoaderData` hook.

This approach allows TanStack Router to handle asynchronous data fetching seamlessly, ensuring that components render without needing explicit waiting mechanisms.

We also integrate it with a real API by using a `getEmployees` function in the `loader.

Additionally, we see how TanStack Router caches the fetched data for efficient navigation.



Use Loader to Feed a Route with Data in Tanstack Router

Use TanStack Router's loader to fetch data for routes, leveraging async functions and caching.

In this lesson, we learn how to troubleshoot issues with TanStack Router's automatic generation of the `routeTree.gen.ts` file.

If the file is not being updated or new routes are not being recognized, the most common cause is that the development server is not running. As a rule of thumb, start the dev server - this resolves the issue, allowing the `routeTree.gen.ts` file to be properly generated and updated with new routes. This ensures that all routes are correctly registered and type-safe routing features function as expected.


Troubleshoot Tanstack routeTree.gen Generator

Troubleshoot TanStack Router's routeTree.gen generator by checking the dev server status.

In this lesson, we learn how to create a new route in TanStack Router by simply adding a new file to the `routes` directory.

For example, creating an `employees.tsx` file automatically generates a new route, which is reflected in the `routeTree.gen.tsx` file.

We explore how to define the root component within this new file and how to link to it from other components using the `<Link>` component.

The lesson highlights the benefits of type safety provided by TypeScript, which helps catch typos and ensures that only valid routes are used. This approach streamlines the process of adding new routes and maintaining a robust routing system.

Create a new Route in Tanstack Router

Create new routes in TanStack Router by adding files to the routes directory for automatic route file generation.

In this lesson, we explore how to use [File-Based Routing](https://tanstack.com/router/latest/docs/framework/react/guide/file-based-routing) with TanStack Router.

This approach allows the router to automatically generate routes based on the file structure within the `routes` directory.

The router watches these files and updates the TypeScript module definitions accordingly, ensuring type safety for features like redirects and navigation using navigateTo.

We learn how the root route is created using `createRootRoute` and how components are matched against specific routes, such as the home and about pages, which are displayed in the `<Outlet />` component.

The lesson also mentions the use of TanStack Router DevTools to visualize and manage routes in real-time.

Use File-Based Routing in Tanstack Router

Use TanStack Router's file-based routing for automatic route generation and type safety

In this lesson, we learn how to quickly scaffold a new application using TanStack Router by running `npm create @tanstack/router`. This command initializes a project with the necessary dependencies, including Vite and React plugins for TanStack Router, as well as [React Router DevTools](https://tanstack.com/router/latest/docs/framework/react/devtools).

We explore the project structure, focusing on key files like `main.tsx` (which sets up the application using `ReactDOM.createRoot(rootElement)`), and `routeTree.gen.ts`, an automatically generated file that should not be manually edited. This file is dynamically updated when changes are made to the application's routes.

The lesson also covers how tooling like VS Code is configured to prevent accidental overwrites of generated files.



Scaffold new application with Tanstack Router

Scaffold a new app with TanStack Router using npm create @tanstack/router and understand project setup with Vite and React

TanStack Router improves routing by ensuring that links and parameters are error-free through and **type-safety** and **automatic route generation**.

It guarantees that parameters are present and correctly typed, which helps developers avoid mistakes.

The router also takes care of **data loading**, making it easier for developers to design their components and **improving performance with caching**.

It includes **DevTools** that show important information about the router's state and performance, helping developers track how routes match and how data is cached.

WTF is Tanstack Router

TanStack Router, a modern react routing solution that ensures type safety, simplifies data loading, and enhances performance for efficient web development.

 We map over the initial set of results then use `Promise.all` to efficiently fetch the details of each pokemon rendered in the table. This allows us to add more columns to our pokemon table.

Ian Jones

Fetch and display row details with Promise.all in Tanstack Table

map over the initial set of results then use `Promise.all` to efficiently fetch the details of each pokemon rendered in the tanstack table

Create a custom hook to fetch remote data by passing a promise to the React 19 `use` hook. Then render this data in Tanstack Table by memoizing the results and passing them to `useReactTable`.

Render remote data in a Tanstack Table with React 19's use hook and a promise

Create a custom hook using React 19’s use to fetch data with a promise. Render it in a Tanstack Table by memoizing and using useReactTable.

**Note:** This course is being actively developed and more lessons will be added in the future.

Cursor is an AI-enhnaced code editor that allows you to call upon the robots to refactor or stub out functions for you with natural language. 

In this course, John will show you workflows that will save you time and effort by utilizing the features such as its mult-line editing and context.

In particular, by giving Cursor's AI the proper context, whether that's lines of code or multiple files, you'll get better output when trying to extend or refactor logic that's present.


Bite-size video tutorials for badass web developers.

egghead

Productive Developer Workflows with AI Enhanced Cursor IDE

TanStack Router is the foundation for TanStack Start, which is gaining significant attention due to its innovative approach to application development.

This course focuses on getting effective TanStack Router, a modern and scalable routing solution for React applications. You will learn how to:
- set up and scaffold new applications,
- use file-based routing
- create nested routes
- manage dynamic route parameters and more.

The course covers advanced features like route loaders, caching strategies, and lifecycle hooks, which are crucial for enhancing application performance and user experience.

By understanding TanStack Router, you can build more efficient, type-safe, and maintainable applications, leveraging its integration with data fetching libraries like TanStack Query.

This knowledge is essential for developers looking to improve their routing skills and stay ahead in the field.

Up and Running with Tanstack Router and React

Learn TanStack Router for React: set up apps, use file-based routing, manage routes, and boost app performance.


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