110 lines
3.6 KiB
Markdown
110 lines
3.6 KiB
Markdown
# XcodeBuildMCP (iOS)
|
|
|
|
This page focuses on MCP-based Xcode workflows and the XcodeBuildMCP setup.
|
|
|
|
## What XcodeBuildMCP Is (Plain Language)
|
|
+XcodeBuildMCP can run build and test tasks without you switching into Xcode for every step. This reduces context switching and makes workflows repeatable.
|
|
+
|
|
+Think of it as a remote control for Xcode build actions. Instead of clicking around in Xcode, you ask the assistant to run the action and report the result.
|
|
+
|
|
+Common uses include:
|
|
+- Run a build for a target or scheme
|
|
+- Run tests and return failures
|
|
+- Capture build output so the assistant can summarize errors
|
|
+
|
|
+### Example Requests
|
|
+- "Use XcodeBuildMCP to build the app and summarize any errors."
|
|
+- "Run tests with XcodeBuildMCP and list the failing tests."
|
|
+- "Build with XcodeBuildMCP and extract the first error message."
|
|
+
|
|
+## Xcode 26.3 MCP Setup (Detailed)
|
|
+These steps reflect a common setup as of February 2026. Wording may vary slightly in release candidates.
|
|
+
|
|
+### Prerequisites
|
|
+- Xcode 26.3 (RC or full release), opened at least once with your project
|
|
+- VS Code installed (stable or Insiders)
|
|
+- GitHub Copilot extension installed and signed in
|
|
+- Node.js and npm installed (for XcodeBuildMCP)
|
|
+
|
|
+### Step 1: Enable Xcode MCP Server
|
|
+1. Open Xcode.
|
|
+2. Go to Settings.
|
|
+3. Open the Intelligence tab.
|
|
+4. Find the Model Context Protocol section.
|
|
+5. Toggle on Xcode Tools (or Allow external connections).
|
|
+
|
|
+### Step 2: Install And Configure XcodeBuildMCP (Recommended Bridge)
|
|
+Install:
|
|
+
|
|
+```bash
|
|
+npm install -g xcodebuildmcp@latest
|
|
+```
|
|
+
|
|
+Add to VS Code (create or edit .vscode/mcp.json):
|
|
+
|
|
+```json
|
|
+{
|
|
+ "servers": {
|
|
+ "XcodeBuildMCP": {
|
|
+ "command": "npx",
|
|
+ "args": ["-y", "xcodebuildmcp@latest", "mcp"]
|
|
+ }
|
|
+ }
|
|
+}
|
|
+```
|
|
+
|
|
+Restart VS Code or reload the window. Copilot should discover the tools.
|
|
+
|
|
+### Step 3: Optional Native Xcode MCP Bridge
|
|
+Xcode 26.3 includes a native MCP bridge. This exposes Xcode tools directly.
|
|
+
|
|
+Add to VS Code:
|
|
+
|
|
+```json
|
|
+{
|
|
+ "servers": {
|
|
+ "XcodeNative": {
|
|
+ "command": "xcrun",
|
|
+ "args": ["mcpbridge"]
|
|
+ }
|
|
+ }
|
|
+}
|
|
+```
|
|
+
|
|
+### Using MCP In VS Code With Copilot
|
|
+1. Open your iOS project in VS Code.
|
|
+2. Use Copilot Chat in agent mode for multi-step tasks.
|
|
+3. MCP tools appear as slash commands once discovered.
|
|
+
|
|
+Example:
|
|
+"Use XcodeBuildMCP to build and summarize errors. Then suggest fixes."
|
|
+
|
|
+### Tips And Caveats
|
|
+- Xcode must be running (or launchable) for MCP tools to respond.
|
|
+- Native Xcode MCP is often best for previews.
|
|
+- XcodeBuildMCP is often best for heavy builds and automation.
|
|
+
|
|
+### Install And Setup (Official)
|
|
+Follow the official instructions: https://github.com/getsentry/XcodeBuildMCP
|
|
+
|
|
+### References
|
|
+- https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/02/xcode-26-point-3-unlocks-the-power-of-agentic-coding/
|
|
+- https://github.com/cameroncooke/XcodeBuildMCP
|
|
+- https://github.com/getsentry/XcodeBuildMCP
|
|
+- https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/copilot/customization/mcp-servers
|
|
+
|
|
+## Xcode 26.3 And MCP Integration
|
|
+Apple announced that Xcode 26.3 exposes Xcode capabilities through the Model Context Protocol (MCP), which enables compatible agents and tools to interact with Xcode features directly.
|
|
+
|
|
+### What This Means (Plain Language)
|
|
+- Xcode can be controlled by MCP-enabled tools.
|
|
+- Agents can access more of Xcode's capabilities without you manually clicking through the UI.
|
|
+
|
|
+### Example Workflow
|
|
+1. You ask an agent to build the project.
|
|
+2. The agent uses MCP to run the build inside Xcode.
|
|
+3. The agent summarizes errors and suggests fixes.
|
|
+
|
|
+### Source
|
|
+https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/02/xcode-26-point-3-unlocks-the-power-of-agentic-coding/
|