24 Xcode Tips in 15 Minutes

In this video I walk through 24 quick Xcode tips to help you write code faster, build better tests, and navigate around large projects more efficiently – there’s something for everyone! Let me know your favorite Xcode tips in the comments below, or tweet me @twostraws 🙌

00:00 Introduction
00:28 Generating class initializers
01:00 Environment overrides
01:52 Selecting blocks of code
02:10 Checking our spelling
02:59 Fixing all issues
03:20 Deleting search results
03:44 Resuming the SwiftUI canvas
04:18 Tiling the simulator
04:44 Expanding autocomplete
05:11 Quickly toggling breakpoints
05:37 Randomizing test order
06:14 Filtering the jump bar
07:03 Generating an interface file
07:45 Adding comments quickly
08:15 Finding files faster
08:42 Seeing source changes inline
09:29 Finding code in the minimap
09:59 Re-run your last test
10:30 Remapping unhelpful keys
11:41 Upgrading your searches
12:14 Reindenting code
12:37 Testing in-app purchases
13:37 Exploring build options
14:08 Pinning previews
15:06 Wrap up

[techguy]

I like the triple slash comment that provides a description for a function or class when using autocomplete

[AlanW]

"Which is useful for the NEVER times you want to print out your source" 🤣

[mohammadabuqubu]

Filtering the jump bar was life savior

[rednettle]

Paul you are a legend, thanks for sharing these, 10 years doing Xcode development and didnt know half of these - My current fave is "Run without building" when you just want to restart the app without re compiling "ctrl+cmd+r"

[volimpia]

My favorite Xcode shortcut is selecting part of code and choosing refactor extract it to method. Makes code so clearer.

[DavidBobSmith]

I don’ t really have a favorite tip that you’ve gave they’re all good one. Thank you!

[remyblas]

I'm about 2/3 into the 100 Days of Swift course and this is gold! First, because it will help me navigate and follow the projects quick and easily, and second, because I came here just curious, expecting not to understand most of it, but I do understand almost all of it, and that makes me feel like I really progressed in my understanding of iOS programming.

[chrispyk]

Absolutely excellent Paul.
My favourites:
1. In storyboard, Hold the Option key and then select the Source code file which makes sure that assistant editor is opened with the right file to make your connections
2. To go back to the file list no matter where the navigator panel is currently - Command + 1
3. Shift + Command + K to clean the build folder. Apparently Shift + Option + Command + K is supposed to perform a deeper clean. No idea if this is fact or fiction.
4. Command + R to run, Command + B to build
5. Mulit-position editing. Select the first location then hold Shift + Control then select the other locations to edit. Massive time saver.
That should do for the moment.

[pieterbikkel]

Great tips, the auto spelling and grammar is my favorite

[acjazz]

I loved that tip about generate initializers!

[JonJudelson]

Multiline Editing in Xcode is one of the most mind blowing features I have ever seen.

[DogeWowzie]

The spelling check and the extended mini map navigation will be a game changer in my daily developer routine. Thanks for the excellent video. You are an awesome guy.

[luyokai]

Never thought I knew so little about Xcode until I watched this video.

[squarefrog]

So many good tips! I love the Structure > Move Selection Up or Down feature with cmd+opt+[ or cmd+opt+]. Works for both a single line of text, or many! Even more useful when writing SwiftUI

[judy]

Great tips! Knew some of them. One tip for SwiftUI that I am careful to follow, is to not type too much code before building because the error messages don’t make sense so you can’t pinpoint which line of code is wrong until you start deleting all the lines you entered until you find the one.

[AlanW]

0:28 was just something I was bemoaning about classes yesterday! Thanks!

[mattlarsen]

Favorite additional tips: CMD-Shift-Y to show/hide the debug area and Option-click on view controller when in the storyboard to display on screen and drag button actions over. Great series!

[govind]

Initializer method is awesome 👍, thanks for sharing this!

[imamad]

The interface maker shortcut was the best one for me! It's super helpful for code review and refactoring.

[robertmartens]

My tip is to always check your explanation first when I want learn something new with Swift.