Migrating to Claude Code

Safety setup guide for developers coming from Cursor, Windsurf, Aider, or Copilot

Why Claude Code is Different

Unlike Cursor or Copilot, Claude Code has full terminal access. It can run any command, edit any file, push to any branch. This is powerful but requires safety hooks.

Feature	Cursor/Copilot	Claude Code
Terminal access	Limited/sandboxed	Full access
File editing	IDE-controlled	Direct filesystem
Git operations	Via IDE UI	Direct git commands
Safety model	IDE sandbox	Hooks (you configure)
Autonomous mode	No	Yes (headless)

Key difference: Cursor/Copilot run inside an IDE sandbox. Claude Code runs in your actual terminal. Hooks replace the sandbox.

From Cursor

Cursor → Claude Code

Cursor Rules (.cursorrules) → CLAUDE.md + hooks

What you had in Cursor

.cursorrules — project-specific instructions
IDE-level file protection
Built-in git safety (can't force-push from UI)

What you need in Claude Code

# 1. Convert .cursorrules to CLAUDE.md
cp .cursorrules CLAUDE.md  # Then edit to Claude Code format

# 2. Install safety hooks
npx cc-safe-setup --shield

# 3. Add auto-approve for your workflow
npx cc-safe-setup --install-example auto-approve-build

Key hooks for Cursor migrants

Cursor feature	Hook equivalent
Can't delete system files	`destructive-guard` + `scope-guard`
IDE confirms before push	`branch-guard`
Lint on save	`syntax-check`
.env excluded from commits	`secret-guard`

From Windsurf

Windsurf → Claude Code

Windsurf Rules → CLAUDE.md + hooks

# Convert Windsurf cascade rules
# Windsurf's "Flows" → Claude Code's autonomous mode + hooks

npx cc-safe-setup --shield
npx cc-safe-setup --install-example context-snapshot  # Preserve state across sessions
npx cc-safe-setup --install-example session-handoff   # Hand off between sessions

From Aider

Aider → Claude Code

.aider.conf → CLAUDE.md, /lint → syntax-check hook

# Aider auto-commits → Claude Code needs explicit control
npx cc-safe-setup --shield
npx cc-safe-setup --install-example auto-checkpoint   # Similar to Aider's auto-commit
npx cc-safe-setup --install-example verify-before-done # Ensure tests pass before commit

# Aider's /lint → already covered by syntax-check hook
# Aider's /test → use auto-approve-build to skip prompts

From GitHub Copilot Workspace

Copilot Workspace → Claude Code

Copilot's plan-execute → Claude Code's plan mode + hooks

# Copilot Workspace creates PRs automatically
# Claude Code needs branch protection
npx cc-safe-setup --shield
npx cc-safe-setup --install-example deploy-guard       # Prevent accidental deploys
npx cc-safe-setup --install-example diff-size-guard    # Warn on large changes
npx cc-safe-setup --install-example pr-description-check # Ensure PR quality

Universal Setup (Any Tool)

# Step 1: Maximum safety
npx cc-safe-setup --shield

# Step 2: Check what's installed
npx cc-safe-setup --status

# Step 3: Verify everything works
npx cc-safe-setup --verify

# Step 4: View your safety score
npx cc-safe-setup --audit

CLAUDE.md Template

Create a CLAUDE.md in your project root:

# Project Rules

## Safety
- Do not push to main/master directly
- Do not force-push
- Do not delete files outside this project
- Do not commit .env or credential files
- Run tests before committing

## Code Style
- Follow existing conventions in this codebase
- Keep functions small and focused

## Git
- Use descriptive commit messages
- One logical change per commit
- Create feature branches for new work

CLAUDE.md vs .cursorrules: Same concept, but CLAUDE.md is also read by Claude in the API (not just the CLI). Hooks add enforcement — CLAUDE.md is advisory, hooks are mandatory.

Safety Profile Comparison

Profile	Hooks	Best for
`minimal`	8	Experienced users, quick tasks
`standard`	20	Daily development, balanced safety
`strict`	33	Autonomous sessions, production repos

npx cc-safe-setup --profile strict  # For autonomous/production use