XCode Pal
XCode Pal is a powerful VS Code extension that bridges the gap between VS Code and Xcode, allowing you to control Xcode directly from your VS Code editor using AppleScript integration.
Features
🚀 Seamless Xcode Integration
- Build Projects: Trigger Xcode builds without leaving VS Code
- Run Projects: Execute your Xcode projects with a simple keyboard shortcut
- Open Files: Open the current file in Xcode with automatic focus switching
⌨️ Keyboard Shortcuts
Ctrl+Alt+B - Build Project in XcodeCtrl+Alt+R - Run Project in XcodeCtrl+Alt+X - Open Current File in Xcode
🎯 Smart Focus Management
- Build and run operations happen in the background, keeping VS Code in focus
- Opening files in Xcode automatically switches focus to Xcode for immediate editing
- Intelligent AppleScript integration ensures reliable communication
📋 Command Palette Support
All commands are available through the Command Palette (Cmd+Shift+P):
Xcode Pal: Build Project in XcodeXcode Pal: Run Project in XcodeXcode Pal: Open Current File in Xcode
Requirements
- macOS: This extension only works on macOS due to AppleScript dependency
- Xcode: Xcode must be installed and accessible
- VS Code: Version 1.101.0 or higher
Installation
- Install the extension from the VS Code Marketplace
- Ensure Xcode is installed on your system
- Grant necessary permissions for VS Code to control other applications (macOS will prompt when first used)
Usage
Quick Start
- Open your iOS/macOS project in VS Code
- Use the keyboard shortcuts or Command Palette to trigger Xcode operations
- Your Xcode project will respond accordingly while you stay productive in VS Code
Permission Setup
When you first use the extension, macOS may ask for permission to allow VS Code to control other applications. This is required for the AppleScript integration to work properly.
Known Issues
- Requires macOS and Xcode to be installed
- May require accessibility permissions to be granted to VS Code
- Xcode must be running for build/run commands to work (opening files will launch Xcode if needed)
Release Notes
0.0.3 (2025-07-21)
🔧 Bug Fixes & Improvements
- Fixed AppleScript execution issues by combining activate and keystroke commands
- Changed keyboard shortcuts from
Ctrl+Cmd to Ctrl+Alt for better compatibility
- Improved error handling and debugging with detailed console logging
- Enhanced AppleScript reliability for build and run operations
0.0.2 (2025-07-19)
🔧 Bug Fixes & Improvements
- Fixed "Can't get active scheme" error by switching to keyboard simulation
- Improved AppleScript reliability across different Xcode versions
- Enhanced build and run operations using System Events
- Simplified file opening mechanism for better compatibility
0.0.1 (2025-07-18)
🎉 Initial Release
- Added Xcode build integration with background execution
- Added Xcode run integration with background execution
- Added file opening in Xcode with focus switching
- Implemented AppleScript-based communication
- Added keyboard shortcuts that don't conflict with VS Code defaults
- Added Command Palette integration
Contributing
Found a bug or have a feature request? Please open an issue on the GitHub repository.
License
This extension is released under the MIT License.
Following extension guidelines
Ensure that you've read through the extensions guidelines and follow the best practices for creating your extension.
Working with Markdown
You can author your README using Visual Studio Code. Here are some useful editor keyboard shortcuts:
- Split the editor (
Cmd+\ on macOS or Ctrl+\ on Windows and Linux).
- Toggle preview (
Shift+Cmd+V on macOS or Shift+Ctrl+V on Windows and Linux).
- Press
Ctrl+Space (Windows, Linux, macOS) to see a list of Markdown snippets.
Enjoy!
