Installing Xcode

Learn how to install, launch and configure Apple's Xcode integrated development environment on your macOS system.

Apps for Apple’s family of device platforms are developed using the Xcode development environment. Xcode is an integrated development environment (IDE) within which you will code, compile, test, and debug your applications.

In this lesson, we will cover the steps involved in installing Xcode on macOS.

Installing Xcode

The best way to obtain the latest versions of Xcode is to download it from the Apple Mac App Store. Launch the App Store on your macOS system, enter Xcode into the search box and click on the Get button to initiate the installation. This will install both Xcode and the iOS SDK.

Starting Xcode

Having successfully installed Xcode, the next step is to launch it so that we are ready to start development work. To start up Xcode, open the macOS Finder and search for Xcode. Since you will be making frequent use of this tool, take this opportunity to drag and drop it onto your dock for easier access in the future. Click on the Xcode icon in the dock to launch the tool. The first time Xcode runs you may be prompted to install additional components. Follow these steps, entering your username and password when prompted to do so.

Once Xcode has loaded and assuming this is the first time you have used Xcode on this system, you will be presented with the Welcome screen from which you are ready to proceed:

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