Effective Ways to Clear Caches and Clean Targets in Xcode

Effective Ways to Clear Caches and Clean Targets in Xcode

28 February 2025 Stephan Petzl Leave a comment Xcode

When developing with Xcode, you might encounter issues where old or deleted files seem to persist in your build, leading to unexpected behavior. This guide provides actionable steps to effectively clear caches and clean all targets in Xcode 4 and later versions.

Understanding the Problem

Developers often face a common issue where Xcode includes old or deleted files, such as .xib files, in the build process. This can be particularly frustrating as it can lead to inconsistencies between development environments and actual app behavior.

Steps to Clean Xcode Build and Cache

  1. Clean Build Folder: Use the shortcut Command-Option-Shift-K to clean out the build folder. Alternatively, go to the Product menu, press the Option key, and select “Clean Build Folder…”.
  2. Clear Derived Data: Quit Xcode and manually delete the contents of the ~/Library/Developer/Xcode/DerivedData folder. This step is crucial as Xcode might run an outdated version of your project stored here. In Xcode 4.2, you can locate this folder in the Organizer under the Projects tab.
  3. Reset Simulator: In the iOS Simulator, choose “iOS Simulator > Reset Content and Settings” to clear any cached simulator data.
  4. Targeted Cache Deletion: For a more targeted approach, open Terminal and execute the command: 
    rm -rf "$(getconf DARWIN_USER_CACHE_DIR)/org.llvm.clang/ModuleCache"
  5. Swift-Related Issues: For certain Swift-related problems, consider deleting ~/Library/Caches/com.apple.dt.Xcode. Be cautious, as this will remove spare copies of downloaded documentation sets.

Additional Considerations for Localized Storyboards

If your app uses localized storyboard files, ensure that these files are properly updated. Sometimes, non-text aspects of the storyboard update while localized text does not. Re-generating localization files and ensuring that unneeded localizations are removed can resolve such issues.

Enhancing Your Development Workflow with Repeato

For developers looking to streamline their testing process, Repeato offers a robust solution. As a no-code test automation tool, Repeato allows you to create, run, and maintain automated tests for iOS, Android, and web apps effortlessly. With features like a test recorder and fast execution, Repeato can help you efficiently manage testing without the complexities often encountered with other tools.

Moreover, Repeato’s ability to automate complex tasks using command line scripts or JavaScript, alongside its support for data-driven and keyword-driven testing, makes it a practical alternative to tools like Katalon. By utilizing computer vision and AI, Repeato ensures that your development workflow remains smooth and efficient.

Learn more about how Repeato can enhance your development and testing processes by visiting our documentation or exploring our blog for the latest updates and insights.

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