xcode-build
xcode-build equips your agent with direct access to Xcode's command-line utilities for iOS and macOS development. Control app builds, simulator management, and project workflows without intermediary servers—leveraging xcodebuild and xcrun simctl for native platform integration.
xcode-build provides direct access to xcodebuild for iOS app compilation. Use `xcodebuild -scheme YourScheme -configuration Release` to build your project. For workspace projects, add `-workspace YourWorkspace.xcworkspace`. xcode-build lets you specify derived data paths, build settings, and destination platforms directly via native CLI commands without intermediary servers.
AI-generated summary based on this skill's SKILL.md
Decision gist · record as of 2026-02-04
xcode-build provides direct access to xcodebuild for iOS app compilation. Use `xcodebuild -scheme YourScheme -configuration Release` to build your project. For workspace projects, add `-workspace YourWorkspace.xcworkspace`. xcode-build lets you specify derived data paths, build settings, and destination platforms directly via native CLI commands without intermediary servers.
Use it when
- xcode-build enables simulator control through xcrun simctl.
- xcode-build supports common xcodebuild patterns: `xcodebuild -scheme MyScheme -configuration Debug` for debug builds.
Verify before relying
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Install
pzep1/xcode-build-skill/xcode-build
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Frequently asked questions
AI-generated answers based on this skill's SKILL.md and metadata
How to build iOS app with xcodebuild?
xcode-build provides direct access to xcodebuild for iOS app compilation. Use `xcodebuild -scheme YourScheme -configuration Release` to build your project. For workspace projects, add `-workspace YourWorkspace.xcworkspace`. xcode-build lets you specify derived data paths, build settings, and destination platforms directly via native CLI commands without intermediary servers.
How do I run an app on iPhone simulator?
xcode-build enables simulator control through xcrun simctl. First list available devices with `xcrun simctl list devices`, then boot a simulator by UDID: `xcrun simctl boot <UDID>`. Build your app targeting that simulator, then install and launch it using `xcrun simctl install <UDID> <app.app>` and `xcrun simctl launch <UDID> com.bundle.identifier`. xcode-build automates this entire workflow.
What are xcodebuild command line examples?
xcode-build supports common xcodebuild patterns: `xcodebuild -scheme MyScheme -configuration Debug` for debug builds, `xcodebuild test -scheme MyScheme -destination 'platform=iOS Simulator,name=iPhone 15'` for unit tests, and `xcodebuild -workspace App.xcworkspace -scheme App -derivedDataPath ./build` for custom output paths. Each command runs natively without proxy layers.
Can xcode-build automate iOS simulator management and testing?
Yes. xcode-build automates simulator lifecycle and testing through native xcrun and xcodebuild commands. Boot/shutdown simulators, run XCUITest automation frameworks, execute unit tests with `xcodebuild test`, capture screenshots via `xcrun simctl io <UDID> screenshot`, and retrieve logs from simulator instances. All operations use direct CLI tools for reliable platform integration.
How do I capture logs and screenshots from iOS simulator?
xcode-build lets you capture simulator diagnostics natively. Take screenshots with `xcrun simctl io <UDID> screenshot output.png`. Access app logs via `xcrun simctl spawn <UDID> log stream --predicate 'process == "YourApp"'`. xcode-build handles UDID resolution and log filtering, enabling automated diagnostics collection during test runs and debugging sessions.
Does xcode-build replace XcodeBuildMCP with direct tools?
xcode-build is designed to replace XcodeBuildMCP by providing direct xcodebuild and xcrun simctl command execution. It eliminates intermediary server dependencies, giving your agent native access to Xcode's CLI utilities for builds, simulator management, testing, and log capture. MIT-licensed, it integrates seamlessly into macOS development workflows.
SKILL.md
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Xcode Build Direct
Build and manage iOS/macOS projects using native Xcode CLI tools instead of MCP servers.
When to Use This Skill
Use this skill when: - Building iOS or macOS apps with Xcode - Running apps in iOS simulators - Managing simulator instances (boot, shutdown, list) - Taking screenshots of simulators - Capturing app logs - Running tests (unit or UI) - Automating UI interactions (tap, type, swipe)
Preference: Always use direct CLI commands (xcodebuild, xcrun simctl) instead of XcodeBuildMCP tools.
Quick Start
1. Discover Project Structure
```bash
List schemes in a workspace
xcodebuild -workspace /path/to/App.xcworkspace -list
List schemes in a project
xcodebuild -project /path/to/App.xcodeproj -list
Show build settings
xcodebuild -workspace /path/to/App.xcworkspace -scheme AppScheme
(truncated - see the full file via the links below)
File tree — 3 files
skills/xcode-build/CLI_REFERENCE.md
skills/xcode-build/SKILL.md
skills/xcode-build/XCUITEST_GUIDE.md
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