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Speeding up with Xcode Behaviors

Xcode behaviors can change the way how Xcode responds to certain events. Default behaviors help you already by showing for example the debug navigator when hitting a breakpoint, but they can speed you up a lot more.

A list of behaviors which are not enabled by default. Starting point is the behaviors tab which can be found in Xcode preferences which can be opened by cmd + , or using the Xcode -> Preferences menu.

Open the Issue Navigator for build failures

Surprisingly, but true. The issue navigator by default does not open when a build fails. Result of this is that you navigate to the issue navigator yourself to see what is wrong. By navigating to the current log you can even quickly filter on errors only to see what is wrong.

An Xcode behavior to open the Issue Navigator for failing builds

Xcode behavior for failing builds

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Open the Test Navigator for test failures

When a test fails, you want to navigate to that test and run it again when you’ve fixed it. Starting point for navigating to the failing test is the Test Navigator.

Open the Test Navigator when a test fails

Open the Test Navigator when a test fails

Start debugging in a new tab

You’re writing your code and running your app to test your feature. A breakpoint or issue appears and you’re suddenly in a different file which is not always what you were waiting for.

By opening a new tab when your running app pauses you can simply finish your debug session and return to your working file by closing the tab.

You can do exactly the same for when your app pauses for tests.

Debugging code in a new tab

Debugging code in a new tab

More on speeding up

Xcode offers a lot more to speed up your workflow. You can read more articles in the workflow category or check out my talk on Speeding up as an iOS Developer.

 
Antoine van der Lee

Written by

Antoine van der Lee

iOS Developer since 2010, former Staff iOS Engineer at WeTransfer and currently full-time Indie Developer & Founder at SwiftLee. Writing a new blog post every week related to Swift, iOS and Xcode. Regular speaker and workshop host.

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