---
name: cursor-plugin-convex-rule-use-convex-dev
description: >-
  Always use 'npx convex dev' for development, never 'npx convex deploy' which is for production only
metadata:
  version: "0.1.0"
---

# Use convex dev for Development

**Important:** When working with Convex, always use `npx convex dev` during development. Never use `npx convex deploy` unless you're deploying to production.

## The Commands

### npx convex dev (Development)
Use this for all development work:
- Runs a local development server
- Watches for file changes
- Auto-reloads functions and schema
- Uses a development deployment
- Safe to experiment and test

```bash
# Start development (use this!)
npx convex dev
```

### npx convex deploy (Production Only!)
**Only** use this when deploying to production:
- Deploys to your production environment
- Used by CI/CD pipelines
- Should NOT be used during development
- Affects live users

```bash
# Production deployment only!
npx convex deploy
```

## Why This Matters

**Using `deploy` during development can:**
- ❌ Deploy untested code to production
- ❌ Affect live users
- ❌ Break production database schema
- ❌ Create production data inconsistencies

**Using `dev` for development ensures:**
- ✅ Safe, isolated development environment
- ✅ Fast iteration with auto-reload
- ✅ No risk to production
- ✅ Easy testing and debugging

## Correct Workflow

**Development:**
```bash
# 1. Start dev server
npx convex dev

# 2. Make changes to code
# 3. Test locally
# 4. Repeat
```

**Deployment:**
```bash
# Only after thorough testing:
npx convex deploy

# Or in CI/CD:
# - Run tests
# - If tests pass, deploy
```

## Common Patterns

### Initial Setup
```bash
npm install convex
npx convex dev  # Creates account & starts dev
```

### Daily Development
```bash
npx convex dev  # Always use this
# Keep it running while you code
```

### Production Deployment
```bash
# Test everything first!
npm run test
npm run build

# Then deploy
npx convex deploy
```

### CI/CD Pipeline
```yaml
# GitHub Actions example
- name: Deploy to Convex
  run: npx convex deploy --cmd 'npm run build'
  env:
    CONVEX_DEPLOY_KEY: ${{ secrets.CONVEX_DEPLOY_KEY }}
```

## Red Flags

If you see someone suggest:
- "Just run `npx convex deploy` to test"  ❌ Wrong!
- "Use `deploy` for development"  ❌ Wrong!
- "Deploy to see if it works"  ❌ Wrong!

**Always use `npx convex dev` for development!**

## Documentation

When writing docs or instructions:
- ✅ Always mention `npx convex dev` for development
- ✅ Clearly label `npx convex deploy` as "Production only"
- ✅ Show the difference between the two
- ✅ Warn against using deploy during development