xcodemcp — Claude Code MCP server: what it does, how to install
MCP server that drives Xcode through JavaScript automation instead of shell commands. Helpful when running builds and inspecting compile logs from an AI agent.
claude mcp add xcodemcp -- npx -y xcodemcpWhat xcodemcp does
Instead of wrapping xcodebuild in terminal processes, this tool manipulates the macOS IDE directly via JXA scripting. Assistants can open workspaces and trigger project compilations inside the active editor window. Build logs gain exact failure coordinates when paired with the XCLogParser utility. It includes a standalone xcodecontrol command.
The server requires macOS, an existing Xcode installation, and Node.js 18+. Without XCLogParser, failure details in build logs fall back to standard text. When using Apple's first-party Xcode bridge, pass the --sidekick-only flag to avoid overlapping build tools and retain focused helpers for workspace inspection and test artifacts.
What it helps with
- trigger application compilation and tests inside Xcode rather than command-line tools
- extract pinpoint error locations from build output with XCLogParser
- inspect XCResult bundles to view test hierarchies and captured UI snapshots
- manage workspaces and active schemes directly through an AI agent
Example prompts for the agent
- Open MyApp.xcodeproj, compile it using the MyApp scheme, and report any errors.
- Run the test suite in Xcode and inspect any failures using XCLogParser.
- Check environment health and show the current workspace scheme configuration.
How to install xcodemcp
Platform CLI
claude mcp add xcodemcp -- npx -y xcodemcpPlatform CLI
codex mcp add xcodemcp -- npx -y xcodemcpConfig file
{
"mcpServers": {
"xcodemcp": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"xcodemcp"
]
}
}
}Config file
{
"servers": {
"xcodemcp": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"xcodemcp"
]
}
}
}Platform CLI
gemini mcp add xcodemcp npx -y xcodemcpStep by step, with commands for each platform: How to add an MCP server to Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, VS Code, Gemini CLI and more
Questions about xcodemcp
How to install xcodemcp in Claude Code?
Run claude mcp add xcodemcp -- npx -y xcodemcp in your terminal. You must have macOS with Xcode installed and Node.js 18+.
What does xcodemcp do?
It provides an automation bridge to the Xcode desktop application using macOS JXA scripts. An agent can launch builds, run unit tests, and diagnose compiler diagnostics.
How do I run xcodemcp alongside Apple's official Xcode MCP?
Add the --sidekick-only flag to your server configuration. This disables redundant compilation actions and keeps companion capabilities like workspace handling and test bundle evaluation.
