How to Perform Large Code Refactors in Cursor

Using LLM coding agents can significantly reduce the effort required for large code refactors. The process begins with identifying when a refactor is needed, such as when anti-patterns accumulate or implementation speed slows down. Before starting, it is crucial to plan the scope by having a detailed conversation with an AI like Gemini and using a tool's "plan mode" to generate a step-by-step guide. During the refactor, it is recommended to use capable models like Claude, grant lenient permissions for efficiency, and instruct the agent to create testing scripts. The final step involves verifying the changes by comparing them against the main branch and conducting another AI review.