BrevFeed
Sign in
← All stories
● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportLow impact

Build iOS and Mac apps without using Xcode interface

Aggregated by BrevFeed dev · updated 117d ago
🔖 Save
New to BrevFeed? We gather this story from every outlet covering it into one summary — ranked by real-world impact, not just the latest headline — so you never miss what matters. What is BrevFeed? →

Key points

  • Xcode must be installed but doesn't need to be opened.
  • Scripts automate app building and deployment tasks.
  • Initial setup requires GUI for Apple ID and Developer ID certificate.

Overview of Development without Xcode

Developers often face challenges with Xcode, Apple's integrated development environment. However, it is possible to develop Mac and iOS applications using command line tools without ever needing to open Xcode. By leveraging tools embedded in Xcode, developers can manage the entire app lifecycle from the terminal.

Required Installation

Xcode needs to be installed on the system as it contains essential tools like xcodebuild and notarytool. The command line tools must be set to utilize Xcode rather than the standalone command line tools package to ensure all necessary components are available.

Initial Setup Steps

The initial setup requires signing in to an Apple ID and creating a Developer ID certificate. This is done via the GUI, but subsequent app building and deployment can be fully executed from scripts written for terminal use.

Automation through Scripting

After the one-time setup, developers can create a script such as scripts/release.sh to automate processes including archiving, signing, notarizing, and deploying apps to the Applications folder. This transition to a fully headless development model can enhance efficiency.

✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →

Keep reading

security Security Best Practices for AI-Assisted "Vibe Coding" 6d ago dev New Terminal Tools Manage AI Coding Agents and Sessions 17h ago hardware Apple Design Eliminates Need for Webcam Covers, Avoids Damage to Screens 3d ago dev GitHub Copilot Enhances Efficiency with Improved Context Handling and Model Selection 1d ago ai The Rise of "AI;DR" as a Response to Unedited AI-Generated Content 5h ago

The daily brief

One email each morning: the day's tech stories, clustered across outlets and summarized. No account needed.

One email a day. Unsubscribe in one click, any time.

Today's brief

Spend a few minutes, get the whole day. Every topic's top stories in one hands-free rundown — listen, watch, or read the transcript.

~4 min · 3 stories · Nov 07

▶ Play today's brief Listen on Spotify

New every morning, and the back catalogue is archived by date.

Primary sources

GitHub yonaskolb/XcodeGen

Reporting from

Hacker News Front Page — Building and Shipping Mac and iOS Apps Without Ever Opening Xcode 💬 Discuss on HN 117d ago →

Developers can now build Mac and iOS apps without opening Xcode by using command line tools like xcodebuild and notarytool. This method streamlines app development and potentially simplifies the process for those who find Xcode's interface challenging.