XCTools MCP Server

XCTools MCP Server – Bridging AI Assistants with the Xcode Toolchain

The XCTools MCP Server solves a common pain point for developers who want to leverage AI assistants (such as Claude) in their Xcode workflow: accessing the full breadth of native macOS development tools through a standardized, machine‑readable interface. By exposing , , and as MCP resources, the server turns complex command‑line operations into simple, structured calls that an AI can understand and execute on the developer’s machine. This eliminates the need for manual terminal sessions or custom scripting, allowing an assistant to build, test, and profile projects with a single intent.

At its core, the server offers complete Xcode toolchain access. It can locate any development tool (, ), query SDK paths and versions, and run arbitrary tools via . For project management, it wraps commands such as building, testing, archiving, and listing targets or schemes. Performance analysis is handled through (Instruments) capabilities, enabling trace recording, importing/exporting data, and symbolication. All of these actions are exposed as distinct MCP tools, each with clear input schemas and rich error messages that help an AI explain failures or suggest remedies.

Developers can use the server in a variety of real‑world scenarios. In continuous integration pipelines, an AI assistant could automatically trigger builds and tests across multiple simulators or device configurations without human intervention. In a pair‑programming setup, the assistant can compile code snippets or run unit tests on demand, providing instant feedback. For performance debugging, the server allows an AI to start an Instruments trace, collect data, and return a summarized report, freeing developers from manual setup steps. Because the server communicates over stdio, it integrates seamlessly with any MCP‑capable client—Claude Desktop, VS Code’s MCP extension, or custom tooling.

Unique advantages of XCTools MCP Server include comprehensive error handling that surfaces detailed diagnostic information, and cross‑platform compatibility limited only to macOS with Xcode installed—ensuring that the same MCP interface works across all Apple developer machines. Its modular design means new Xcode tools can be added as additional MCP resources with minimal effort, keeping the server future‑proof as Apple’s tooling evolves. Overall, XCTools MCP Server turns the Xcode toolchain into a first‑class AI assistant resource, streamlining development workflows and accelerating time to delivery.