Resolving the “Source Kit Service Terminated” Error in Xcode

Resolving the "Source Kit Service Terminated" Error in Xcode

28 February 2025 Stephan Petzl Leave a comment Xcode

Encountering the “Source Kit Service Terminated” error in Xcode can be a frustrating experience, particularly when it disrupts syntax highlighting and code completion in Swift. This guide will walk you through several effective solutions to tackle this issue.

Primary Solution: Clear Derived Data

A common and straightforward solution involves clearing the Derived Data folder, which often resolves the error. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Open Xcode and go to Preferences.
  2. Navigate to the Locations tab.
  3. Under Derived Data, click the arrow to open the folder in Finder.
  4. Delete the entire contents of the Derived Data folder by moving them to the trash.

Relaunch Xcode and check if the issue persists.

Alternative Solutions

If clearing the Derived Data doesn’t resolve the problem, consider these additional steps:

Delete ModuleCache

The ModuleCache can sometimes cause issues with autocompletion. Remove it by running the following command in Terminal:

rm -rf ~/Library/Developer/Xcode/DerivedData/ModuleCache

Manage iOS Simulators

Issues with iOS simulators can also lead to the error. Try the following:

  • Open the iOS Simulator from Xcode.
  • Go to Hardware > Device > Manage Devices.
  • Remove and then recreate the simulators you need.

Check Project Settings

Ensure that your project settings are correct, especially the deployment target. Setting the target to a version <= 7.1 has helped some users.

Advanced Troubleshooting

For more persistent issues, consider these advanced steps:

  • Ensure there are no syntax errors in your code, as these can trigger the error.
  • Check for any naming conflicts in your Swift and Objective-C code, especially in bridging headers.

Leveraging Repeato for Automation and Testing

While resolving issues like the “Source Kit Service Terminated” error, it’s crucial to maintain productivity in your development workflow. That’s where tools like Repeato come into play. Repeato is a no-code test automation tool designed for iOS, Android, and web apps. Its intuitive test recorder and AI-based computer vision allow you to quickly create and manage automated tests.

Unlike some traditional tools, Repeato supports a variety of scripting languages, which can be a significant advantage over tools like Katalon that limit users to specific languages. Additionally, Repeato’s ability to run command line scripts and JavaScript code to automate complex tasks can help streamline your testing process, ensuring that changes to your codebase don’t inadvertently introduce new issues.

By integrating Repeato into your development process, you can efficiently manage your test automation needs, freeing up valuable time to focus on coding and resolving critical issues like the one discussed in this guide.

Like this article? there’s more where that came from!