xcode-test

Build and test iOS apps on simulator using XcodeBuildMCP

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Install skill "xcode-test" with this command: npx skills add ratacat/claude-skills/ratacat-claude-skills-xcode-test

Arguments

[scheme name or 'current' to use default]

Xcode Test Command

<command_purpose>Build, install, and test iOS apps on the simulator using XcodeBuildMCP. Captures screenshots, logs, and verifies app behavior.</command_purpose>

Introduction

<role>iOS QA Engineer specializing in simulator-based testing</role>

This command tests iOS/macOS apps by:

  • Building for simulator
  • Installing and launching the app
  • Taking screenshots of key screens
  • Capturing console logs for errors
  • Supporting human verification for external flows

Prerequisites

<requirements> - Xcode installed with command-line tools - XcodeBuildMCP server connected - Valid Xcode project or workspace - At least one iOS Simulator available </requirements>

Main Tasks

0. Verify XcodeBuildMCP is Installed

<check_mcp_installed>

First, check if XcodeBuildMCP tools are available.

Try calling:

mcp__xcodebuildmcp__list_simulators({})

If the tool is not found or errors:

Tell the user:

**XcodeBuildMCP not installed**

Please install the XcodeBuildMCP server first:

\`\`\`bash
claude mcp add XcodeBuildMCP -- npx xcodebuildmcp@latest
\`\`\`

Then restart Claude Code and run `/xcode-test` again.

Do NOT proceed until XcodeBuildMCP is confirmed working.

</check_mcp_installed>

1. Discover Project and Scheme

<discover_project>

Find available projects:

mcp__xcodebuildmcp__discover_projs({})

List schemes for the project:

mcp__xcodebuildmcp__list_schemes({ project_path: "/path/to/Project.xcodeproj" })

If argument provided:

  • Use the specified scheme name
  • Or "current" to use the default/last-used scheme

</discover_project>

2. Boot Simulator

<boot_simulator>

List available simulators:

mcp__xcodebuildmcp__list_simulators({})

Boot preferred simulator (iPhone 15 Pro recommended):

mcp__xcodebuildmcp__boot_simulator({ simulator_id: "[uuid]" })

Wait for simulator to be ready: Check simulator state before proceeding with installation.

</boot_simulator>

3. Build the App

<build_app>

Build for iOS Simulator:

mcp__xcodebuildmcp__build_ios_sim_app({
  project_path: "/path/to/Project.xcodeproj",
  scheme: "[scheme_name]"
})

Handle build failures:

  • Capture build errors
  • Create P1 todo for each build error
  • Report to user with specific error details

On success:

  • Note the built app path for installation
  • Proceed to installation step

</build_app>

4. Install and Launch

<install_launch>

Install app on simulator:

mcp__xcodebuildmcp__install_app_on_simulator({
  app_path: "/path/to/built/App.app",
  simulator_id: "[uuid]"
})

Launch the app:

mcp__xcodebuildmcp__launch_app_on_simulator({
  bundle_id: "[app.bundle.id]",
  simulator_id: "[uuid]"
})

Start capturing logs:

mcp__xcodebuildmcp__capture_sim_logs({
  simulator_id: "[uuid]",
  bundle_id: "[app.bundle.id]"
})

</install_launch>

5. Test Key Screens

<test_screens>

For each key screen in the app:

Take screenshot:

mcp__xcodebuildmcp__take_screenshot({
  simulator_id: "[uuid]",
  filename: "screen-[name].png"
})

Review screenshot for:

  • UI elements rendered correctly
  • No error messages visible
  • Expected content displayed
  • Layout looks correct

Check logs for errors:

mcp__xcodebuildmcp__get_sim_logs({ simulator_id: "[uuid]" })

Look for:

  • Crashes
  • Exceptions
  • Error-level log messages
  • Failed network requests

</test_screens>

6. Human Verification (When Required)

<human_verification>

Pause for human input when testing touches:

Flow TypeWhat to Ask
Sign in with Apple"Please complete Sign in with Apple on the simulator"
Push notifications"Send a test push and confirm it appears"
In-app purchases"Complete a sandbox purchase"
Camera/Photos"Grant permissions and verify camera works"
Location"Allow location access and verify map updates"

Use AskUserQuestion:

**Human Verification Needed**

This test requires [flow type]. Please:
1. [Action to take on simulator]
2. [What to verify]

Did it work correctly?
1. Yes - continue testing
2. No - describe the issue

</human_verification>

7. Handle Failures

<failure_handling>

When a test fails:

  1. Document the failure:

    • Take screenshot of error state
    • Capture console logs
    • Note reproduction steps
  2. Ask user how to proceed:

    **Test Failed: [screen/feature]**
    
    Issue: [description]
    Logs: [relevant error messages]
    
    How to proceed?
    1. Fix now - I'll help debug and fix
    2. Create todo - Add to todos/ for later
    3. Skip - Continue testing other screens
    
  3. If "Fix now":

    • Investigate the issue in code
    • Propose a fix
    • Rebuild and retest
  4. If "Create todo":

    • Create {id}-pending-p1-xcode-{description}.md
    • Continue testing

</failure_handling>

8. Test Summary

<test_summary>

After all tests complete, present summary:

## 📱 Xcode Test Results

**Project:** [project name]
**Scheme:** [scheme name]
**Simulator:** [simulator name]

### Build: ✅ Success / ❌ Failed

### Screens Tested: [count]

| Screen | Status | Notes |
|--------|--------|-------|
| Launch | ✅ Pass | |
| Home | ✅ Pass | |
| Settings | ❌ Fail | Crash on tap |
| Profile | ⏭️ Skip | Requires login |

### Console Errors: [count]
- [List any errors found]

### Human Verifications: [count]
- Sign in with Apple: ✅ Confirmed
- Push notifications: ✅ Confirmed

### Failures: [count]
- Settings screen - crash on navigation

### Created Todos: [count]
- `006-pending-p1-xcode-settings-crash.md`

### Result: [PASS / FAIL / PARTIAL]

</test_summary>

9. Cleanup

<cleanup>

After testing:

Stop log capture:

mcp__xcodebuildmcp__stop_log_capture({ simulator_id: "[uuid]" })

Optionally shut down simulator:

mcp__xcodebuildmcp__shutdown_simulator({ simulator_id: "[uuid]" })
</cleanup>

Quick Usage Examples

# Test with default scheme
/xcode-test

# Test specific scheme
/xcode-test MyApp-Debug

# Test after making changes
/xcode-test current

Integration with /workflows:review

When reviewing PRs that touch iOS code, the /workflows:review command can spawn this as a subagent:

Task general-purpose("Run /xcode-test for scheme [name]. Build, install on simulator, test key screens, check for crashes.")

Source Transparency

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