iOS Xcode & Tooling Best Practices

Comprehensive guide for Xcode project configuration, SwiftData persistence, testing, debugging, profiling, and app distribution. Contains 19 rules across 6 categories.

When to Apply

Reference these guidelines when:

• Setting up Xcode projects with AppStorage, ScenePhase, or widgets
• Implementing SwiftData models, queries, and CRUD operations
• Writing tests with Swift Testing framework
• Debugging with breakpoints and console output
• Profiling performance with Instruments
• Distributing apps via TestFlight
• Building for visionOS or integrating ML features

Rule Categories by Priority

Quick Reference

1. Project & Platform (HIGH)

• platform-app-storage – Use AppStorage for user preferences
• platform-scene-phase – Respond to app lifecycle with ScenePhase
• platform-widget-integration – Design for widget and Live Activity integration
• platform-system-features – Integrate system features natively

2. SwiftData & Persistence (CRITICAL)

• data-model-macro – Define models with @Model macro
• data-query-for-fetching – Use @Query for fetching data
• data-model-container – Configure model containers
• data-relationships – Define model relationships
• data-crud-operations – Implement CRUD operations

3. Testing (HIGH)

• test-swift-testing – Use Swift Testing framework
• test-preview-sample-data – Create preview sample data
• test-preview-macro – Use #Preview macro for rapid iteration

4. Debugging & Profiling (MEDIUM-HIGH)

• debug-breakpoints – Use breakpoints for debugging
• debug-console-output – Use console output for debugging
• perf-instruments-profiling – Profile SwiftUI with Instruments

5. Distribution (MEDIUM)

• dist-testflight – Distribute via TestFlight
• dist-app-icons – Design app icons for distribution

6. Specialty Platforms (MEDIUM)

• ml-natural-language – Integrate Natural Language ML
• spatial-visionos-windows – Build for visionOS spatial computing

How to Use

Read individual reference files for detailed explanations and code examples:

• Section definitions – Category structure and impact levels
• Rule template – Template for adding new rules

Reference Files