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xcodebuildmcp

Use when the user needs Xcode build/test/run workflows

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Xcodebuildmcp

Overview

Use the xcodebuildmcp toolset to build/run/test apps, manage simulators/devices, automate UI, and capture logs/screen media. Default to a safe, repeatable flow: discover → set defaults → execute → verify.

Prereqs & MCP Setup

This skill assumes the XcodeBuildMCP server is installed and exposed to your MCP client so the tools appear (e.g., mcp__xcodebuildmcp__build_run_sim). If the tools are missing, follow the setup steps in:

  • references/mcp-setup.md (requirements + MCP client config examples)

Example Requests

  • "Build and run the iOS app on the latest simulator and take a screenshot."
  • "Run unit tests on the simulator and share the failing test logs."
  • "Open the simulator, navigate to Settings, and toggle Dark Mode."
  • "Install and launch the app on my connected iPhone."

Quick Start (common flow)

  1. Discover the project/workspace and schemes:

    • mcp__xcodebuildmcp__discover_projs
    • mcp__xcodebuildmcp__list_schemes

  2. Set session defaults (so subsequent tools don’t need repeated params):

    • mcp__xcodebuildmcp__session-set-defaults (workspacePath/projectPath, scheme, simulatorId/deviceId)

  3. Run the task:

    • Build/run: mcp__xcodebuildmcp__build_run_sim or mcp__xcodebuildmcp__build_run_macos
    • Tests: mcp__xcodebuildmcp__test_sim / mcp__xcodebuildmcp__test_macos / mcp__xcodebuildmcp__test_device

  4. Verify and gather evidence:

    • mcp__xcodebuildmcp__screenshot (sim)
    • mcp__xcodebuildmcp__start_sim_log_cap → mcp__xcodebuildmcp__stop_sim_log_cap

Task Index

  • Build/Run: iOS simulator, macOS, device installs
  • Testing: simulator/macOS/device
  • Simulator management: list/boot/erase/appearance/location/gestures
  • UI automation: describe UI → tap/type/swipe/gesture
  • Logs & debugging: sim logs, device logs, LLDB attach/breakpoints
  • Media: screenshots, screen recording

Load references/workflows.md for detailed step-by-step sequences and command patterns.

Operating Rules

  • Always call mcp__xcodebuildmcp__describe_ui before coordinate-based taps/swipes/long-press.
  • Prefer mcp__xcodebuildmcp__session-set-defaults early to reduce parameter noise.
  • If user didn’t specify target device/simulator, list options and ask (or pick a sensible default with useLatestOS).
  • Avoid destructive actions (erase sims, clean) unless the user asked for them.