using-xtool
This skill should be used when building iOS apps with xtool (Xcode-free iOS development), creating xtool projects, adding app extensions, or configuring xtool.yml. Triggers on "xtool", "SwiftPM iOS", "iOS on Linux", "iOS on Windows", "Xcode-free", "app extension", "widget extension", "share extension". Covers project setup, app extensions, and deployment.
Best use case
using-xtool is best used when you need a repeatable AI agent workflow instead of a one-off prompt. It is especially useful for teams working in multi. This skill should be used when building iOS apps with xtool (Xcode-free iOS development), creating xtool projects, adding app extensions, or configuring xtool.yml. Triggers on "xtool", "SwiftPM iOS", "iOS on Linux", "iOS on Windows", "Xcode-free", "app extension", "widget extension", "share extension". Covers project setup, app extensions, and deployment.
This skill should be used when building iOS apps with xtool (Xcode-free iOS development), creating xtool projects, adding app extensions, or configuring xtool.yml. Triggers on "xtool", "SwiftPM iOS", "iOS on Linux", "iOS on Windows", "Xcode-free", "app extension", "widget extension", "share extension". Covers project setup, app extensions, and deployment.
Users should expect a more consistent workflow output, faster repeated execution, and less time spent rewriting prompts from scratch.
Practical example
Example input
Use the "using-xtool" skill to help with this workflow task. Context: This skill should be used when building iOS apps with xtool (Xcode-free iOS development), creating xtool projects, adding app extensions, or configuring xtool.yml. Triggers on "xtool", "SwiftPM iOS", "iOS on Linux", "iOS on Windows", "Xcode-free", "app extension", "widget extension", "share extension". Covers project setup, app extensions, and deployment.
Example output
A structured workflow result with clearer steps, more consistent formatting, and an output that is easier to reuse in the next run.
When to use this skill
- Use this skill when you want a reusable workflow rather than writing the same prompt again and again.
When not to use this skill
- Do not use this when you only need a one-off answer and do not need a reusable workflow.
- Do not use it if you cannot install or maintain the related files, repository context, or supporting tools.
Installation
Claude Code / Cursor / Codex
Manual Installation
- Download SKILL.md from GitHub
- Place it in
.claude/skills/using-xtool/SKILL.mdinside your project - Restart your AI agent — it will auto-discover the skill
How using-xtool Compares
| Feature / Agent | using-xtool | Standard Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Support | Not specified | Limited / Varies |
| Context Awareness | High | Baseline |
| Installation Complexity | Unknown | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this skill do?
This skill should be used when building iOS apps with xtool (Xcode-free iOS development), creating xtool projects, adding app extensions, or configuring xtool.yml. Triggers on "xtool", "SwiftPM iOS", "iOS on Linux", "iOS on Windows", "Xcode-free", "app extension", "widget extension", "share extension". Covers project setup, app extensions, and deployment.
Where can I find the source code?
You can find the source code on GitHub using the link provided at the top of the page.
SKILL.md Source
# Using xtool
## Overview
xtool is a **cross-platform Xcode replacement** for building iOS apps with SwiftPM on Linux, Windows, and macOS. It is NOT XcodeGen, Tuist, or Xcode project files.
## Critical: xtool is NOT XcodeGen
| xtool Uses | NOT These |
|------------|-----------|
| `xtool.yml` | `project.yml`, `Project.swift` |
| `Package.swift` (SwiftPM) | Xcode project files |
| `xtool dev` | `xtool build`, `xtool run`, `xtool generate` |
| `Sources/` directory | `Extensions/` directory |
## Project Structure
```
MyApp/
├── Package.swift # SwiftPM package definition
├── xtool.yml # xtool configuration
├── Sources/
│ ├── MyApp/ # Main app target
│ │ ├── MyAppApp.swift
│ │ └── ContentView.swift
│ └── MyWidget/ # Extension target (if any)
│ └── Widget.swift
├── MyApp-Info.plist # Optional custom Info.plist
└── MyWidget-Info.plist # Required for extensions
```
## Quick Reference: Commands
```bash
# Project lifecycle
xtool new MyApp # Create new project
xtool new MyApp --skip-setup # Create without running setup
xtool dev # Build + run (same as `xtool dev run`)
xtool dev build # Build only
xtool dev build --ipa # Build IPA file
xtool dev run -s # Run on iOS Simulator (--simulator)
xtool dev run -c release # Release build (--configuration)
xtool dev run -u <udid> # Target specific device (--udid)
xtool dev generate-xcode-project # Generate .xcodeproj for debugging
# Device management
xtool devices # List connected devices
xtool install app.ipa # Install IPA to device
xtool launch # Launch installed app
xtool uninstall # Uninstall app from device
# Authentication & setup
xtool setup # Full setup (auth + SDK)
xtool auth login # Authenticate with Apple
xtool auth status # Check auth status
xtool auth logout # Log out
xtool sdk # Manage Darwin Swift SDK
# Developer Services
xtool ds teams # List development teams
xtool ds certificates # Manage certificates
xtool ds profiles # Manage provisioning profiles
```
## xtool.yml Format
Minimal:
```yaml
version: 1
bundleID: com.example.MyApp
```
Full options:
```yaml
version: 1
bundleID: com.example.MyApp
product: MyApp # Which SwiftPM product is main app
infoPath: MyApp-Info.plist # Custom Info.plist (merged)
iconPath: Resources/AppIcon.png # App icon (1024x1024 PNG)
entitlementsPath: App.entitlements
resources: # Files copied to app bundle root
- Resources/GoogleServices-Info.plist
extensions: # App extensions
- product: MyWidget
infoPath: MyWidget-Info.plist
```
## Adding App Extensions (Widgets, Share, etc.)
### Step 1: Update Package.swift
Add BOTH a product AND a target. Note: xtool uses `.library` (not `.executable`) - it bundles the library into an iOS app.
```swift
// swift-tools-version: 6.0
import PackageDescription
let package = Package(
name: "MyApp",
platforms: [.iOS(.v17)],
products: [
.library(name: "MyApp", targets: ["MyApp"]),
.library(name: "MyWidget", targets: ["MyWidget"]), // ADD
],
targets: [
.target(name: "MyApp"),
.target(name: "MyWidget"), // ADD
]
)
```
### Step 2: Update xtool.yml
```yaml
version: 1
bundleID: com.example.MyApp
product: MyApp
extensions:
- product: MyWidget
infoPath: MyWidget-Info.plist
```
### Step 3: Create Extension Info.plist
Minimal required (just the extension type):
```xml
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd">
<plist version="1.0">
<dict>
<key>NSExtension</key>
<dict>
<key>NSExtensionPointIdentifier</key>
<string>com.apple.widgetkit-extension</string>
</dict>
</dict>
</plist>
```
### Step 4: Create Extension Code
`Sources/MyWidget/Widget.swift`:
```swift
import WidgetKit
import SwiftUI
@main struct MyWidgetBundle: WidgetBundle {
var body: some Widget { MyWidget() }
}
struct MyWidget: Widget {
var body: some WidgetConfiguration {
StaticConfiguration(kind: "MyWidget", provider: Provider()) { entry in
Text(entry.date, style: .date)
.containerBackground(.fill.tertiary, for: .widget)
}
.configurationDisplayName("My Widget")
}
}
struct Entry: TimelineEntry { var date = Date() }
struct Provider: TimelineProvider {
func placeholder(in context: Context) -> Entry { Entry() }
func getSnapshot(in context: Context, completion: @escaping (Entry) -> Void) {
completion(Entry())
}
func getTimeline(in context: Context, completion: @escaping (Entry) -> Void) {
completion(Timeline(entries: [Entry()], policy: .after(.now + 3600)))
}
}
```
### Step 5: Build and Run
```bash
xtool dev
```
## Common Extension Types
| Extension | NSExtensionPointIdentifier |
|-----------|---------------------------|
| Widget (WidgetKit) | `com.apple.widgetkit-extension` |
| Share | `com.apple.share-services` |
| Action | `com.apple.ui-services` |
| Safari | `com.apple.Safari.web-extension` |
| Keyboard | `com.apple.keyboard-service` |
| Today (deprecated) | `com.apple.widget-extension` |
## Troubleshooting
| Error | Solution |
|-------|----------|
| "Untrusted Developer" | Settings > General > VPN & Device Management > Trust |
| Device not found | Connect USB, run `xtool devices`, enable Developer Mode |
| Auth failed | Run `xtool auth login` |
| Build fails on first run | Normal - SDK modules building. Wait for completion. |
## Resources Configuration
SwiftPM resources (in bundle subdirectory):
```swift
.target(name: "MyApp", resources: [.copy("Blob.png")])
// Access: Image("Blob", bundle: Bundle.module)
```
Top-level resources (in app bundle root):
```yaml
# xtool.yml
resources:
- Resources/GoogleServices-Info.plist
```
## Entitlements
```yaml
# xtool.yml
entitlementsPath: App.entitlements
```
```xml
<!-- App.entitlements -->
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd">
<plist version="1.0">
<dict>
<key>com.apple.developer.homekit</key>
<true/>
</dict>
</plist>
```
## Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---------|-----|
| Using `xtool build` | Use `xtool dev build` |
| Using `project.yml` | Use `xtool.yml` |
| Using `Extensions/` dir | Use `Sources/` (standard SwiftPM) |
| Forgetting Package.swift | Extensions need product + target in Package.swift |
| Complex extension Info.plist | Only NSExtension/NSExtensionPointIdentifier required |Related Skills
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