ios debugger agent

---
name: ios-debugger-agent
description: Debug the current iOS project on a booted simulator with XcodeBuildMCP.
risk: safe
source: "Dimillian/Skills (MIT)"
date_added: "2026-03-25"
---

# iOS Debugger Agent

## Overview
Use XcodeBuildMCP to build and run the current project scheme on a booted iOS simulator, interact with the UI, and capture logs. Prefer the MCP tools for simulator control, logs, and view inspection.

## When to Use
- When the user asks to run, debug, or inspect an iOS app on a simulator.
- When you need simulator UI interaction, screenshots, or runtime logs via XcodeBuildMCP.

## Core Workflow
Follow this sequence unless the user asks for a narrower action.

### 1) Discover the booted simulator
- Call `mcp__XcodeBuildMCP__list_sims` and select the simulator with state `Booted`.
- If none are booted, ask the user to boot one (do not boot automatically unless asked).

### 2) Set session defaults
- Call `mcp__XcodeBuildMCP__session-set-defaults` with:
  - `projectPath` or `workspacePath` (whichever the repo uses)
  - `scheme` for the current app
  - `simulatorId` from the booted device
  - Optional: `configuration: "Debug"`, `useLatestOS: true`

### 3) Build + run (when requested)
- Call `mcp__XcodeBuildMCP__build_run_sim`.
- **If the build fails**, check the error output and retry (optionally with `preferXcodebuild: true`) or escalate to the user before attempting any UI interaction.
- **After a successful build**, verify the app launched by calling `mcp__XcodeBuildMCP__describe_ui` or `mcp__XcodeBuildMCP__screenshot` before proceeding to UI interaction.
- If the app is already built and only launch is requested, use `mcp__XcodeBuildMCP__launch_app_sim`.
- If bundle id is unknown:
  1) `mcp__XcodeBuildMCP__get_sim_app_path`
  2) `mcp__XcodeBuildMCP__get_app_bundle_id`

## UI Interaction & Debugging
Use these when asked to inspect or interact with the running app.

- **Describe UI**: `mcp__XcodeBuildMCP__describe_ui` before tapping or swiping.
- **Tap**: `mcp__XcodeBuildMCP__tap` (prefer `id` or `label`; use coordinates only if needed).
- **Type**: `mcp__XcodeBuildMCP__type_text` after focusing a field.
- **Gestures**: `mcp__XcodeBuildMCP__gesture` for common scrolls and edge swipes.
- **Screenshot**: `mcp__XcodeBuildMCP__screenshot` for visual confirmation.

## Logs & Console Output
- Start logs: `mcp__XcodeBuildMCP__start_sim_log_cap` with the app bundle id.
- Stop logs: `mcp__XcodeBuildMCP__stop_sim_log_cap` and summarize important lines.
- For console output, set `captureConsole: true` and relaunch if required.

## Troubleshooting
- If build fails, ask whether to retry with `preferXcodebuild: true`.
- If the wrong app launches, confirm the scheme and bundle id.
- If UI elements are not hittable, re-run `describe_ui` after layout changes.

## Example

**User request:**

> Run, debug, or inspect an iOS app on a simulator.

## Limitations
- Use this skill only when the task clearly matches the scope described above.
- Do not treat the output as a substitute for environment-specific validation, testing, or expert review.
- Stop and ask for clarification if required inputs, permissions, safety boundaries, or success criteria are missing.