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xcode-dev-loop

Builds, tests, and inspects Xcode projects from the command line using xcodebuild and simctl.

3|Updated Nov 8, 2014
Search Tags:#screenshots#ios#build automation#simulator#xcodebuild#swift testing#xcrun simctl
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/mintuz/.dotfiles --skill xcode-dev-loop-mintuz
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: xcode-dev-loop
Source: https://github.com/mintuz/.dotfiles/tree/main/agents/.agents/skills/xcode-dev-loop
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/mintuz/.dotfiles --skill xcode-dev-loop-mintuz

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve? Running Xcode builds and tests from the command line is error-prone: long builds hit command timeouts, Swift Testing output differs from XCTest, and simulator names collide. This Skill provides the canonical discover-build-test-launch-screenshot loop so every run produces a trustworthy verdict. ## Core Features & Use Cases - Background Build and Test Execution: Runs xcodebuild in the background with log and status files so long builds never die at the command timeout. - Correct Result Reading: Distinguishes Swift Testing output from XCTest, greps terminal markers, and reads xcresult bundles for structured failure reasons. - Simulator Install, Launch, and Screenshots: Boots pinned simulator UDIDs, installs the exact build product, launches by bundle id, and captures numbered screenshots for visual verification. - Use Case: After writing Swift tests, run the full suite against a pinned iOS simulator in the background, read the xcresult bundle on failure, then install the app and capture screenshots of key screens to verify the change visually. ## Quick Start Build and test my Xcode workspace on an iOS simulator in the background, then install the app and take a screenshot of the main screen.

Frequently Asked Questions about xcode-dev-loop

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I run xcodebuild tests from the command line?▼

Run xcodebuild test with the workspace or project flag and an explicit scheme, since the test action fails without one. Pin the destination as platform=iOS Simulator,id=<udid> and run it in the background with output redirected to a log file to avoid command timeouts.

How to read Swift Testing results from xcodebuild output?▼

Swift Testing does not emit XCTest's Test Case passed lines. Look for the checkmark line 'Test run with N tests in M suites passed' plus TEST SUCCEEDED, and confirm N is greater than zero, since an empty XCTest summary proves nothing.

Why does xcodebuild fail when the result bundle path exists?▼

xcodebuild fails when the -resultBundlePath already exists, so give every attempt its own unique path. On failure, read the bundle with xcrun xcresulttool get test-results summary for the structured crash reason.

Can I use a simulator name instead of a UDID with simctl?▼

No, duplicate simulator names like iPhone 17 Pro Max cause 'No booted simulator named' failures. List devices with xcrun simctl list devices available -j, resolve the UDID once, and reuse it for boot, install, launch, and screenshot commands.

Why does xcodebuild test hang or time out in CI?▼

Clean builds and test runs routinely exceed a 600 second foreground timeout, leaving no verdict when killed. Start the run in the background, redirect output to a log, record the exit status to a status file, and wait on that file instead of a foreground sleep.

When should I not use test-without-building in xcodebuild?▼

test-without-building reuses the previously built product, so it can report success that excludes your latest source change. Rebuild with a full xcodebuild test run before trusting a pass.

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