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Xcode description
Xcode is Apple's own software development toolset. It provides everything needed to build apps for iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple's other platforms. Xcode offers a visual design tool for user interfaces, as well as tools for coding, testing, and debugging. It stands out as the only official tool for creating Apple software and promises a streamlined development experience for this ecosystem.
Who is Xcode best for
Xcode is Apple's official IDE, empowering developers to build apps for all Apple platforms. Its intuitive interface and comprehensive toolset streamline the development process. However, users note performance issues with larger projects and a steep learning curve for beginners. Despite these drawbacks, many praise Xcode's powerful debugging tools and seamless Apple ecosystem integration.
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Best for small to medium-sized businesses developing Apple software.
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Ideal for software, IT, media, and education companies.
Xcode features
| Supported Xcode automatically formats Swift code using the built-in Swift Format feature. |
| Supported Xcode supports syntax highlighting to improve code readability. |
| Supported Xcode supports debugging tools like setting breakpoints, stepping through code, and inspecting variables. |
| Supported Xcode supports UI customization via drag and drop in Interface Builder. |
| Supported Xcode automates builds with xcodebuild command line tool and Xcode Server. |
| Supported Xcode supports predictive code completion, speeding up coding and reducing errors. |
| Supported Xcode simplifies test setup with automated processes for native apps, not web. |
We evaluate the sentiment that users express about non-functional aspects of the software
Value and Pricing Transparency
Ease of Use
Reliability and Performance
Ease of Implementation
Scalability
Xcode reviews
We've summarised 965 Xcode reviews (Xcode G2 reviews) and summarised the main points below.
- User-friendly interface and intuitive design for iOS/macOS development.
- Comprehensive toolset and seamless integration with Apple ecosystem.
- Powerful debugging tools, including view hierarchy and memory management.
- Built-in simulators for efficient testing on various Apple devices.
- SwiftUI integration and support for multiple programming languages.
- High RAM usage, slow performance, especially with Storyboards and large projects.
- Frequent crashes and hangs, impacting productivity.
- Complex initial setup and learning curve for beginners.
- Limited customization and third-party plugin support.
- Tedious certificate management and code signing process.
Xcode pricing
The commentary is based on 21 reviews from Xcode G2 reviews.
Xcode is free to download and use, making it a popular choice for Apple developers. However, some users mention the high cost of premium features and the yearly developer license required for App Store submissions. Despite this, its free availability is appreciated, especially by those new to iOS development.
Users sentiment
Xcode alternatives
xcode vs Visual StudioBetter fit for enterprise companies. More suitable for companies in the software and IT industries. Has stronger customer service and easier implementation. Website traffic is growing faster. Pricing is viewed more positively.Read more
RAD StudioBetter for cross-platform development, supporting Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. Xcode is growing faster. RAD Studio has lower ratings on Glassdoor.Read more
Salesforce PlatformBetter fit for enterprise customers and broader industry application. A cloud-based platform focusing on business application development, customization, and automation as an Xcode alternative. Salesforce Platform integrates well with its CRM ecosystem. It has broader industry applicability but slower momentum than Xcode.Read more
IntelliJ IDEABetter for Java and Kotlin development. More suitable for enterprise companies. Has faster website traffic growth. Users praise code completion and debugging, but dislike high RAM usage.Read more
EclipseBetter for enterprise companies. Free and open-source, unlike Xcode. More suitable for Java and broader cross-platform development but not iOS or macOS. Not limited to the Apple ecosystem.Read more
AppcircleBetter for cross-platform development and offers an integrated enterprise app store. Has simpler setup and better customer support. Is growing faster than Xcode. A strong Xcode competitor for mobile-focused teams.Read more
Xcode FAQ
What is Xcode and what does Xcode do?
Xcode is Apple's integrated development environment (IDE) for building apps across all Apple platforms. It provides tools for coding, UI design, testing, debugging, and deployment, offering a streamlined workflow specifically designed for the Apple ecosystem.
How does Xcode integrate with other tools?
Xcode seamlessly integrates with other Apple development tools like Instruments for performance analysis and Interface Builder for UI design. It also supports source control systems like Git for collaborative development and offers command-line tools for build automation.
What the main competitors of Xcode?
Top Xcode alternatives include Visual Studio for cross-platform development, IntelliJ IDEA for Java and Kotlin, and Appcircle for mobile app development and deployment. Eclipse is another open-source option, while RAD Studio focuses on diverse platform compatibility.
Is Xcode legit?
Yes, Xcode is safe and legitimate. It's Apple's official software development toolset for building apps across its platforms. Xcode is a powerful IDE with robust features, though some users find it resource intensive.
How much does Xcode cost?
Xcode is free to download and use for developing, testing, and distributing apps on Apple platforms. However, to distribute apps on the App Store, you need to enroll in the Apple Developer Program, which costs $99 per year.
Is Xcode customer service good?
Customer reviews on Xcode's customer service are mixed. Some users mention helpful and responsive support, while others report a lack of customer support availability. More users focus on Xcode's technical aspects than customer service.
Reviewed by
Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.
Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.