| title |
contributor |
tags |
| xcode-mcp |
@ilkerulusoy |
|
name: xcode-mcp
description: Guidelines for efficient Xcode MCP tool usage. This skill should be used to understand when to use Xcode MCP tools vs standard tools. Xcode MCP consumes many tokens - use only for build, test, simulator, preview, and SourceKit diagnostics. Never use for file read/write/grep operations.
Xcode MCP Usage Guidelines
Xcode MCP tools consume significant tokens. This skill defines when to use Xcode MCP and when to prefer standard tools.
Complete Xcode MCP Tools Reference
Window & Project Management
| Tool |
Description |
Token Cost |
mcp__xcode__XcodeListWindows |
List open Xcode windows (get tabIdentifier) |
Low ✓ |
Build Operations
| Tool |
Description |
Token Cost |
mcp__xcode__BuildProject |
Build the Xcode project |
Medium ✓ |
mcp__xcode__GetBuildLog |
Get build log with errors/warnings |
Medium ✓ |
mcp__xcode__XcodeListNavigatorIssues |
List issues in Issue Navigator |
Low ✓ |
Testing
| Tool |
Description |
Token Cost |
mcp__xcode__GetTestList |
Get available tests from test plan |
Low ✓ |
mcp__xcode__RunAllTests |
Run all tests |
Medium |
mcp__xcode__RunSomeTests |
Run specific tests (preferred) |
Medium ✓ |
Preview & Execution
| Tool |
Description |
Token Cost |
mcp__xcode__RenderPreview |
Render SwiftUI Preview snapshot |
Medium ✓ |
mcp__xcode__ExecuteSnippet |
Execute code snippet in file context |
Medium ✓ |
Diagnostics
| Tool |
Description |
Token Cost |
mcp__xcode__XcodeRefreshCodeIssuesInFile |
Get compiler diagnostics for specific file |
Low ✓ |
mcp__ide__getDiagnostics |
Get SourceKit diagnostics (all open files) |
Low ✓ |
Documentation
| Tool |
Description |
Token Cost |
mcp__xcode__DocumentationSearch |
Search Apple Developer Documentation |
Low ✓ |
File Operations (HIGH TOKEN - NEVER USE)
| Tool |
Alternative |
Why |
mcp__xcode__XcodeRead |
Read tool |
High token consumption |
mcp__xcode__XcodeWrite |
Write tool |
High token consumption |
mcp__xcode__XcodeUpdate |
Edit tool |
High token consumption |
mcp__xcode__XcodeGrep |
rg / Grep tool |
High token consumption |
mcp__xcode__XcodeGlob |
Glob tool |
High token consumption |
mcp__xcode__XcodeLS |
ls command |
High token consumption |
mcp__xcode__XcodeRM |
rm command |
High token consumption |
mcp__xcode__XcodeMakeDir |
mkdir command |
High token consumption |
mcp__xcode__XcodeMV |
mv command |
High token consumption |
Recommended Workflows
1. Code Change & Build Flow