apple-native-dev
Build, sign, and deploy iOS/macOS apps using Zed Editor and CLI-only workflows without Xcode UI. Use when: (1) Setting up a new iOS/macOS project with XcodeGen, (2) Configuring secure credential management via xcconfig files, (3) Setting up Zed Editor with Swift LSP, (4) Building/deploying to physical devices via CLI, (5) Creating CI/CD pipelines for Apple apps, (6) Troubleshooting CLI build issues. Covers XcodeGen, xcode-build-server, justfile commands, devicectl, and GitHub Actions scaffolding following 2026 best practices.
Best use case
apple-native-dev is best used when you need a repeatable AI agent workflow instead of a one-off prompt.
Build, sign, and deploy iOS/macOS apps using Zed Editor and CLI-only workflows without Xcode UI. Use when: (1) Setting up a new iOS/macOS project with XcodeGen, (2) Configuring secure credential management via xcconfig files, (3) Setting up Zed Editor with Swift LSP, (4) Building/deploying to physical devices via CLI, (5) Creating CI/CD pipelines for Apple apps, (6) Troubleshooting CLI build issues. Covers XcodeGen, xcode-build-server, justfile commands, devicectl, and GitHub Actions scaffolding following 2026 best practices.
Teams using apple-native-dev should expect a more consistent output, faster repeated execution, less prompt rewriting.
When to use this skill
- You want a reusable workflow that can be run more than once with consistent structure.
When not to use this skill
- You only need a quick one-off answer and do not need a reusable workflow.
- You cannot install or maintain the underlying files, dependencies, or repository context.
Installation
Claude Code / Cursor / Codex
Manual Installation
- Download SKILL.md from GitHub
- Place it in
.claude/skills/apple-native-dev/SKILL.mdinside your project - Restart your AI agent — it will auto-discover the skill
How apple-native-dev Compares
| Feature / Agent | apple-native-dev | 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?
Build, sign, and deploy iOS/macOS apps using Zed Editor and CLI-only workflows without Xcode UI. Use when: (1) Setting up a new iOS/macOS project with XcodeGen, (2) Configuring secure credential management via xcconfig files, (3) Setting up Zed Editor with Swift LSP, (4) Building/deploying to physical devices via CLI, (5) Creating CI/CD pipelines for Apple apps, (6) Troubleshooting CLI build issues. Covers XcodeGen, xcode-build-server, justfile commands, devicectl, and GitHub Actions scaffolding following 2026 best practices.
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.
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SKILL.md Source
# Apple Native Development (CLI + Zed)
Build iOS/macOS apps without Xcode UI using XcodeGen, justfile, and Zed Editor.
## Core Workflow
### 1. Project Setup
```bash
# Install tools
brew install xcodegen just xcode-build-server
# Generate Xcode project from project.yml
cd Apps/MyApp && xcodegen generate
```
### 2. Credential Management
Use xcconfig files to keep Team ID out of git. See [references/credentials.md](references/credentials.md).
```
Apps/MyApp/Configs/
├── Project.xcconfig # Committed (loads local + defaults)
├── Project.local.xcconfig # Gitignored (your Team ID)
└── Project.local.xcconfig.example # Committed template
```
**Quick setup** (auto-detects Team ID from keychain):
```bash
just ios::setup-credentials
```
### 3. Zed Editor LSP
Generate `buildServer.json` for code completion. See [references/zed-setup.md](references/zed-setup.md).
```bash
just ios::setup-lsp
# Or manually:
xcode-build-server config -project Apps/MyApp/MyApp.xcodeproj -scheme MyApp
```
### 4. Build & Deploy
**Simulator:**
```bash
just ios::build # Build for simulator
just ios::run # Build + install + launch
```
**Physical Device (iOS 17+):**
```bash
just ios::device-deploy # Build + install + launch on iPhone
```
See [references/justfile.md](references/justfile.md) for all commands.
### 5. CI/CD
GitHub Actions scaffold at `.github/workflows/ios-build.yml.disabled`. See [references/ci-cd.md](references/ci-cd.md).
## Key Files
| File | Purpose |
|------|---------|
| `project.yml` | XcodeGen project definition |
| `Configs/Project.xcconfig` | Base build settings (committed) |
| `Configs/Project.local.xcconfig` | Credentials (gitignored) |
| `buildServer.json` | LSP configuration (gitignored) |
| `justfile` or `ios.just` | Build commands |
## Gitignore Patterns
```gitignore
# Credentials
*.local.xcconfig
!*.local.xcconfig.example
# Editor integration
buildServer.json
# XcodeGen output
*.xcodeproj/
```
## Templates
Copy from `assets/templates/` when bootstrapping:
- `Project.xcconfig` - Base xcconfig (committed)
- `Project.local.xcconfig.example` - Credential template (committed)
- `project.yml` - XcodeGen project definition
- `ios.just` - Justfile module for iOS commands
- `ios-build.yml.disabled` - GitHub Actions scaffold
## Troubleshooting
**"Unable to find module dependency" in CLI builds:**
Disable hardened runtime during development:
```yaml
# project.yml
settings:
base:
ENABLE_HARDENED_RUNTIME: NO
ENABLE_ENHANCED_SECURITY: NO
```
**No code completion in Zed:**
Regenerate after building: `just ios::setup-lsp`
**Device install fails:**
Ensure device is trusted and connected: `just ios::devices`Related Skills
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