- name
- xcodebuildmcp
- description
- Use when the user needs Xcode build/test/run workflows, simulator or device control, UI automation, screenshots/video, logs, or LLDB debugging through XcodeBuildMCP tools. Includes discovery of projects/schemes, session defaults, and common simulator/device workflows.
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_uibefore coordinate-based taps/swipes/long-press. - Prefer
mcp__xcodebuildmcp__session-set-defaultsearly 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.