Enabling NSZombie in Xcode: A Step-by-Step Guide

28 February 2025 Stephan Petzl Leave a comment Xcode

Debugging memory issues can be challenging, especially when dealing with elusive errors like EXC_BAD_ACCESS. In Xcode, enabling NSZombie objects can provide valuable insights by tracking deallocated objects and helping identify the source of the problem. This guide will walk you through the process of enabling NSZombie in Xcode, ensuring you can effectively troubleshoot your app’s memory issues.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Access the Scheme Editor:
   • Open your project in Xcode.
   • Navigate to the Product menu, then select Scheme > Edit Scheme…
2. Edit Run Settings:
   • In the left panel, select the Run section.
   • Switch to the Arguments tab on the right.
   • Add NSZombieEnabled to the Environment Variables section and set its value to YES.
3. Enable Zombie Objects (Xcode 4.1 and above):
   • Go to the Diagnostics tab in the Run section.
   • Check the box labeled Enable Zombie Objects.

Using Instruments for Deeper Analysis

For a more detailed analysis, you can use Instruments to monitor zombie objects:

• Select Product > Profile to launch Instruments.
• Choose the Zombies trace template. Note that this option is available only when the simulator is the current build destination.

Why Use NSZombie?

Enabling NSZombie helps you identify and troubleshoot memory management issues by logging messages when deallocated objects are accessed. This can be particularly useful for catching double-released objects and understanding the lifecycle of your app’s objects.

Enhancing Your Testing with Repeato

While enabling NSZombie is a powerful tool for debugging, incorporating automated testing can further streamline your development process. Repeato, a no-code test automation tool, offers a practical solution for iOS, Android, and web apps. With its fast test recording and execution capabilities, Repeato allows you to automate complex tasks using command line scripts or JavaScript code. Its data-driven and keyword-driven testing support ensures comprehensive test coverage, helping you maintain robust and reliable applications.

Explore more about how Repeato can transform your testing workflow by visiting our documentation.

Check it out!

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