As an iOS developer you need to periodically update your Xcode, on your own machine and on your CI/CD server if you automate your development workflow. There are multiple ways to do this so do not waste your time and use the fastest way possible.
Forget Mac App Store, use Apple Developer Portal
It’s a little confusing, but here’s a step by step guide: 1. Go to Apple Developer 2. Click develop 3. Scroll to the bottom of the page 4. Click downloads and sign in 5. Currently and officially, Xcode is only available through Mac App Store or iTunes, but still Mac users can download xcode without app store and without Apple ID for free. Although, xCode software is only compatible with macOS, but still Windows users can download, install and run PC version of xcode through virtual machine software like VMware.
Installing Xcode from the Mac App Store might seem like a convenient way to do so but it is too slow and inflexible. You cannot use the Mac App Store to install multiple version of Xcode at the same time if you need them, like when testing with a Xcode beta for an upcoming iOS release. Download from the Mac App Store is incredibly slow and sometimes not even available for days after release (like 11.2.1).
The place to go is the Apple Developer Portal where you can find all the Xcode versions, including the betas.
Faster download with aria2
Downloading Xcode from the Apple Developer Portal is faster than using the Mac App Store, but it can be made even better. You just need to use the right tools.
Install aria2 from Homebrew and uses this Ruby script from Ian Dundas:
This script downloads the given Xcode by URL from the Apple Developer Portal, but uses up to 16 separate connections to do so. You will see a significant download speed improvement.
Make sure you use the “More” site at https://developer.apple.com/download/more/ even for downloading the latest version of Xcode.
Xcode 11.7 Download
When copying the ADCDownloadAuth cookie make sure you copy the correct value, Safari adds all kinds stuff around it when you just use “copy value”.
Faster install with xip and deleting previous Xcode first
When you install the Xcode xip file you need to extract it. You can double click it in Finder and wait or you can use
Using xip from the command line is much faster because it does not verify the file signature like double clicking in Finder. Of course this is a potential security risk, so it is up to you to decide if it is worth it.
Another trick is not to drag the extracted Xcode.app to /Applications immediately but delete the existing /Applications/Xcode.app first. I guess this is related to Finder first getting the list of those thousands of files in the Xcode.app before the update.
See also
With Xcode you can work inside one window, split windows, and even compare options side by side. Source and project code can be shared across both platforms.
MacOS app developer made simple and easy
Design great apps on either Mac, iPad, or iPhone using Xcode.
MacOS or iOS developers need look no further than the Xcode developer tool to design great apps.
Xcode featuresSwift UI, which offers up its own syntax. Easy to read and write, Swift UI will help keep your apps smaller and download faster by using less code.
Updated functionality now lets you code, test and debug all inside one window. Debugging is done via the Xcode IDE. This added plus can identify errors in syntax and logic, and often fix the code for you.
Newly introduced dark mode is built into Xcode. Interface builder allows you to switch between light and dark modes, or even view them side by side.
The drag and drop function helps you to make changes to visual UI elements, quickly and easily. For developers who prefer multiple editing panes, Xcode provides you with total control of your work area. You can view your design changes instantly in another window.
Use the devices window to simulate other environments. If your users have slow networks or run in extreme heat, you can test those conditions out before releasing your app. For ease of use, source and project code can be shared by Mac and iPad, allowing you to convert existing iPad apps into Mac apps. The changes will take effect across both platforms.
Where can you run this program?
You can run Xcode on OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion or iOS 7 and above.
Is there a better alternative?
With its solid functionality, multiple panes, and shared source code, there is no need to look at any alternatives when choosing an app development tool.
Our take
Xcode 10.3 Dmg
App development tools have come a long way. Xcode is the perfect tool for experienced developers. To be able to code, test, and debug inside the same window, this download will certainly save development time.
Should you download it?
Yes. You won't need another developer tool once you install Xcode. You can share code across OS or iOS.
10.1