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  "description": "XcodeBuildMCP v2.0 was recently released, and it adds two optional skills you can install into supported CLIs (Codex, Claude, and Cursor).",
  "path": "/til/2026/02/09/xcodebuildmcp-now-cli-friendly/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-02-09T19:02:21.000Z",
  "site": "https://danielraffel.me",
  "tags": [
    "XcodeBuildMCP",
    "two optional agent skills",
    "authors description of the tradeoffs",
    "details about the skills",
    "App Store Connect",
    "App-Store-Connect-CLI"
  ],
  "textContent": "XcodeBuildMCP v2.0 was recently released, introducing two optional agent skills you can add to supported CLIs (Codex, Claude, and Cursor). Because the skills may overlap, you can only install **one** per agent.\n\nFor clarity, the two skills are:\n\n  * **MCP Skill:** primes the agent on how to use the MCP server’s tools (optional if you’re already using the MCP server).\n  * **CLI Skill:** primes the agent on how to navigate the CLI (recommended if you’re using the CLI).\n\n\n\nMy summary of the authors description of the tradeoffs:\n\n> **MCP is the better overall experience** , but if you care more about **token efficiency** than **predictability** , choose the CLI. MCP is more stateful and can persist app configuration across sessions, so the agent doesn’t have to rediscover settings every time it makes a tool call.\n\nTo install the scripts, run the command below in your terminal and follow the prompts:\n\n\n    curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/cameroncooke/XcodeBuildMCP/v2.0.0/scripts/install-skill.sh -o install-skill.sh && bash install-skill.sh\n\nAdditional details about the skills are available in the project docs.\n\n## **Why this matters**\n\nXcode workflows are getting a lot tighter: you can run tests, automate builds, and even publish App Store submissions straight from your IDE or terminal. XcodeBuildMCP (plus the new install scripts) pairs well with App Store Connect automation tools like:\n\n  * App-Store-Connect-CLI — a fast, lightweight, scriptable CLI for App Store Connect that lets you automate key iOS release steps directly from the terminal.\n\n",
  "title": "XcodeBuildMCP now CLI friendly",
  "updatedAt": "2026-02-09T22:38:33.637Z"
}