iOS Xcode & Tooling Best Practices

When to Apply

• Setting up Xcode projects with AppStorage, ScenePhase, or widgets
• Implementing SwiftData models, queries, and CRUD operations
• Writing tests with Swift Testing framework
• Debugging with breakpoints and console output
• Profiling performance with Instruments
• Distributing apps via TestFlight
• Building for visionOS or integrating ML features

Rule Categories by Priority

data-

platform-

test-

debug-

perf-

dist-

ml-

spatial-

Quick Reference

1. Project & Platform (HIGH)

• platform-app-storage

  - Use AppStorage for user preferences

• platform-scene-phase

  - Respond to app lifecycle with ScenePhase

• platform-widget-integration

  - Design for widget and Live Activity integration

• platform-system-features

  - Integrate system features natively

2. SwiftData & Persistence (CRITICAL)

• data-model-macro

  - Define models with @Model macro

• data-query-for-fetching

  - Use @Query for fetching data

• data-model-container

  - Configure model containers

• data-relationships

  - Define model relationships

• data-crud-operations

  - Implement CRUD operations

3. Testing (HIGH)

• test-swift-testing

  - Use Swift Testing framework

• test-preview-sample-data

  - Create preview sample data

• test-preview-macro

  - Use #Preview macro for rapid iteration

4. Debugging & Profiling (MEDIUM-HIGH)

• debug-breakpoints

  - Use breakpoints for debugging

• debug-console-output

  - Use console output for debugging

• perf-instruments-profiling

  - Profile SwiftUI with Instruments

5. Distribution (MEDIUM)

• dist-testflight

  - Distribute via TestFlight

• dist-app-icons

  - Design app icons for distribution

6. Specialty Platforms (MEDIUM)

• ml-natural-language

  - Integrate Natural Language ML

• spatial-visionos-windows

  - Build for visionOS spatial computing

How to Use

• Section definitions - Category structure and impact levels
• Rule template - Template for adding new rules

Reference Files