macos-apps

Build, debug, test, and ship native macOS apps in Swift using CLI-only workflows.

1|Updated May 6, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/surfingalien/FinSurfing --skill macos-apps-surfingalien
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: macos-apps
Source: https://github.com/surfingalien/FinSurfing/tree/main/.claude/skills/macos-apps
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/surfingalien/FinSurfing --skill macos-apps-surfingalien

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve? Developing native macOS apps typically requires constant Xcode GUI interaction, manual debugging, and guesswork around code signing, sandboxing, and App Store rules. This Skill provides a complete CLI-driven lifecycle for building professional SwiftUI and AppKit apps without opening Xcode, with verified outcomes at every step. ## Core Features & Use Cases - Full Lifecycle Workflows: Guided processes for building new apps, debugging crashes, adding features, writing tests, optimizing performance, and shipping with notarization. - CLI-Only Toolchain: Uses xcodebuild, xcodegen, xcsift, lldb, log stream, leaks, and xctrace so every build, test, and debug step runs from the terminal. - Deep Reference Library: Covers app architecture with @Observable, SwiftUI patterns, AppKit integration, app extensions, data persistence, and a catalog of common pitfalls like sandboxing violations and code signing failures. - Use Case: Ask to create a menu bar utility app, and the Skill scaffolds the project with XcodeGen, implements features with TDD, verifies builds and tests via xcodebuild, and prepares the signed, notarized release. ## Quick Start Ask the assistant to build a new macOS app, fix a bug in an existing Swift project, or prepare an app for App Store release, and it will route to the matching workflow.

Frequently Asked Questions about macos-apps

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I build a macOS app from the command line without Xcode?

Use xcodegen to generate the .xcodeproj from a project.yml file, then run xcodebuild with the scheme and configuration flags to compile. The resulting .app bundle can be launched with the open command, all without opening the Xcode GUI.

How to debug a Swift macOS app crash from the terminal?

Find crash reports in ~/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports, then symbolicate addresses with atos against the dSYM file. For live debugging, attach lldb to the running process by name or PID and set breakpoints, watchpoints, and backtraces.

Can I use SwiftUI and AppKit together in one macOS app?

Yes, SwiftUI and AppKit interoperate through NSViewRepresentable for embedding AppKit views in SwiftUI and NSHostingView for the reverse. Use AppKit for custom drawing, NSTextView editing, and complex drag and drop, while preferring SwiftUI for everything else.

Why does my macOS app fail code signing or notarization?

Common causes include expired provisioning profiles, bundle identifiers that don't match the App ID, missing certificates in the keychain, or entitlements not included in the regenerated profile. Verify with codesign -v and resubmit via xcrun notarytool after fixing.

What are the limitations of CLI-only macOS development?

CLI tools cover builds, logs, crashes, memory leaks, CPU profiling, and test results, but cannot inspect the visual view hierarchy or perform GPU debugging. SwiftUI view debugging relies on _printChanges() logging instead of Xcode's visual inspector.