macos-build
Build a native macOS app using xcodebuild from the command line. Use this skill whenever the user asks to build, compile, or check if their macOS project compiles successfully. Also use it when the user asks to fix build errors, verify changes compile, or run a debug build. Trigger on phrases like "build the app", "does it compile", "run xcodebuild", "fix build errors", or even just "build".
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Install
Works with every agent the skills CLI supports.
npx skills add https://github.com/fayazara/macos-app-skills --skill macos-build- 01
Install
Run the command in your project. The CLI asks which agents to install for.
- 02
Describe the task
Ask your agent for something this skill covers. It loads macos-build automatically when relevant.
- 03
Review the result
The agent follows the SKILL.md steps, scripts and references bundled with the skill.
SKILL.md
The instructions your agent reads when the skill is triggered.
Build macOS App
Build any native macOS Xcode project from the command line using xcodebuild.
Finding the Project
Before building, locate the Xcode project or workspace:
find . -maxdepth 2 -name "*.xcodeproj" -o -name "*.xcworkspace" | head -5
Then list available schemes:
xcodebuild -list -project "YourApp.xcodeproj" 2>/dev/null | grep -A 20 "Schemes:"
Build Command
Use this command template, replacing the project path and scheme:
DEVELOPER_DIR=/Applications/Xcode.app/Contents/Developer xcodebuild build \
-project "YourApp.xcodeproj" \
-scheme "YourApp" \
-configuration Debug \
-destination "platform=macOS" \
2>&1 | grep -E "(BUILD SUCCEEDED|BUILD FAILED|error:)" | head -20
For workspaces (projects with SPM dependencies or CocoaPods):
DEVELOPER_DIR=/Applications/Xcode.app/Contents/Developer xcodebuild build \
-workspace "YourApp.xcworkspace" \
-scheme "YourApp" \
-configuration Debug \
-destination "platform=macOS" \
2>&1 | grep -E "(BUILD SUCCEEDED|BUILD FAILED|error:)" | head -20
Interpreting Results
- BUILD SUCCEEDED -- the build passed, report success to the user.
- BUILD FAILED with
error:lines -- read each error, identify the source file and line, and help the user fix them. After fixing, re-run the build to verify. - If the output is empty or unclear, re-run without the grep filter to get full output for diagnosis.
When to Build
- After making code changes, if the user asks to verify they compile
- When the user explicitly says "build", "compile", or "check if it builds"
- After fixing build errors, to confirm the fix worked
Xcode Beta Toolchains
If the project targets a beta SDK (e.g., macOS 26 Tahoe), you may need to point to the beta Xcode:
DEVELOPER_DIR=/Applications/Xcode-beta.app/Contents/Developer xcodebuild build ...
Check which Xcode is available:
ls /Applications/ | grep -i xcode
Common Build Failures
| Error | Fix |
|---|---|
no such module 'Sparkle' | SPM dependency not resolved. Try xcodebuild -resolvePackageDependencies first |
no signing identity found | Set CODE_SIGN_IDENTITY="" and CODE_SIGNING_ALLOWED=NO for command-line builds |
SDK "macosx" cannot be located | Wrong DEVELOPER_DIR. Check Xcode installation path |
scheme not found | Run xcodebuild -list to see available schemes |
FAQ
What does the macos-build skill do?
Build a native macOS app using xcodebuild from the command line. Use this skill whenever the user asks to build, compile, or check if their macOS project compiles successfully. Also use it when the user asks to fix build errors, verify changes compile, or run a debug build. Trigger on phrases like "build the app", "does it compile", "run xcodebuild", "fix build errors", or even just "build".
How do I install macos-build?
Run npx skills add https://github.com/fayazara/macos-app-skills --skill macos-build in your project. The skills CLI detects the agents you use and copies the skill into the right folder. For Claude Code you can also place the skill folder at ~/.claude/skills/macos-build/ (personal) or .claude/skills/macos-build/ (project).
Which AI agents can use macos-build?
Any agent that supports the open Agent Skills format (a folder with a SKILL.md file), including Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Gemini CLI, Windsurf, Cline, OpenCode and more.
Is macos-build safe to install?
No partner security audit is available yet. Skills can run commands and scripts, so read the SKILL.md and any bundled files before installing.
Who maintains macos-build?
It is published by fayazara in fayazara/macos-app-skills. It has 614 recorded installs.
More from fayazara/macos-app-skills
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fayazara/macos-app-skills
Essential native macOS development patterns that web developers don't know about. Use this skill whenever the user is building a macOS app and needs guidance on native patterns, or when they ask about menu bar apps, floating panels, window levels, keyboard shortcuts, file pickers, clipboard, drag and drop, screen capture, activation policy, Quick Look, launch at login, or any macOS-specific API. Also trigger when the user seems to be applying web development patterns to macOS (e.g., using z-index thinking for windows, expecting simple clipboard APIs, or not understanding focus/activation). This is the "how things actually work on macOS" reference that prevents the AI from generating confident but wrong code. Use this skill proactively whenever building any native macOS app.
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fayazara/macos-app-skills
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fayazara/macos-app-skills
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fayazara/macos-app-skills
Add Sparkle auto-update support to a native macOS app. Use this skill whenever the user wants to add auto-updates, implement Sparkle, set up an appcast feed, add "Check for Updates" to their app, or integrate automatic update checking. Also trigger when the user mentions Sparkle, appcast, SUFeedURL, EdDSA signing, or update notifications. This covers the full setup: adding the Sparkle SPM dependency, creating the UpdaterManager singleton, wiring it into the app delegate and UI, configuring Info.plist, and generating the initial appcast.xml.
macos-notch-ui
fayazara/macos-app-skills
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