XcodeMCP

XcodeMCP is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that bridges the gap between AI assistants and Apple’s Xcode IDE. Instead of relying on the traditional command line tool, it harnesses JavaScript for Automation (JXA) to send high‑level instructions directly into Xcode’s native UI. This means developers can ask an AI assistant to open a project, trigger a build, run tests, or step through a debugging session—all from within the assistant’s chat interface—without leaving their editor.

The server brings several tangible benefits to developers who integrate AI into their workflows. By controlling Xcode at the UI level, it preserves the full richness of the IDE: build logs, error navigation, and live preview features remain intact. The integrated XCLogParser parses build output with exact line‑column precision, allowing the assistant to point developers straight to the offending code. This level of detail is far superior to plain text parsing and dramatically speeds up triage after a failed build.

Key capabilities include:

• Project Management – Open, close, and switch between multiple Xcode projects or workspaces.
• Build & Test Automation – Trigger clean builds, run unit tests, and collect coverage data.
• Debugging Support – Launch the debugger, set breakpoints, and inspect variables through the assistant’s interface.
• Health Checks – Validate that Xcode is installed, the correct version of Node.js is available, and optional dependencies like XCLogParser are present.
• Graceful Degradation – If an optional tool is missing, the server continues to operate with reduced functionality rather than failing outright.

In real‑world scenarios, XcodeMCP shines for rapid iteration cycles. A developer working on a large iOS codebase can ask the AI to “run unit tests for the Networking module” and immediately receive test results, error locations, and even suggested fixes. For teams adopting Claude Desktop or VS Code with MCP support, the server becomes a single source of truth for all Xcode interactions, eliminating repetitive command‑line juggling and reducing context switching.

Because it exposes a full MCP feature set through both a server mode and a CLI, XcodeMCP integrates seamlessly into existing AI‑driven toolchains. Whether you’re running commands from a terminal script or invoking them through an assistant’s natural language prompt, the server translates those requests into precise Xcode actions. Its ability to surface detailed diagnostics and maintain IDE fidelity gives it a distinct edge over generic build tools, making it an indispensable component for developers who want AI to work inside Xcode rather than just alongside it.