kmshdev/claude-swift-toolkit/app-development-workflow

App Development Workflow

Use this as the lifecycle entry point for the packaged Codex surface.

This repository's current Codex marketplace includes all four lifecycle plugins:

• planning and architecture via apple-app-architect
• design and SwiftUI reference guidance via apple-design-system
• implementation and build loops via apple-app-builder
• review and test workflows via apple-app-quality

The implementation, build, review, and test phases depend on Xcode being installed and running so the official Xcode MCP bridge (xcrun mcpbridge) can attach.

Lifecycle Overview

Phase 0: Scaffold -> Phase 1: Architecture -> Phase 2: Design -> Phase 3: Implement -> Phase 4: Build -> Phase 5: Review -> Phase 6: Test

Phase 0 — Scaffold

When: Starting a new app or major feature from scratch.

Load: apple-app-architect:macos-development and read the app-planner/ module.

Steps:

1. Define the app's purpose, target users, and core features.
2. Identify the app archetype: document-based, library plus editor, utility,

menu bar, or pro tool.

1. Capture constraints that will shape the architecture: offline support, sync,

data model complexity, platform targets, and accessibility expectations.

1. Turn the result into an implementation plan before writing code.

Next phase -> Continue with apple-app-architect:macos-development architecture-patterns/ for Phase 1.

Phase 1 — Architecture

When: Designing system structure, navigation, state management, and the data model.

Load: apple-app-architect:macos-development and read the architecture-patterns/ module.

Steps:

1. Choose navigation pattern (NavigationSplitView, TabView, and related

shell decisions).

1. Design state management (@Observable, SwiftData, actor isolation).
2. Plan module boundaries and package seams.
3. Define persistence strategy and external integration boundaries.
4. Map commands, menus, keyboard shortcuts, and app-specific affordances.

Next phase -> Load apple-design-system:macos-app-design for Phase 2.

Phase 2 — Design

When: Designing the UI layer, HIG alignment, and Liquid Glass adoption.

Load: apple-design-system:macos-app-design and apple-design-system:apple-liquid-glass-design.

Steps:

1. Review the relevant HIG and platform conventions.
2. Decide which surfaces should use Liquid Glass and which should stay more

restrained.

1. Plan information architecture, sidebar structure, toolbar groupings, and

accessibility expectations.

1. Produce the design handoff artifacts you need for implementation.

Next phase -> Load apple-app-builder:autonomous-ui-workflow for the implementation loop.

Phase 3 — Implement

Load: apple-app-builder:autonomous-ui-workflow plus the narrowest implementation or design reference skills the feature needs.

Focus: Edit the smallest set of files, keep the local architecture intact, and use Xcode previews or diagnostics early instead of waiting for a full build loop.

Phase 4 — Build

Load: apple-app-builder:xcode-mcp when you need direct Xcode project inspection, build logs, preview rendering, or targeted build evidence.

Focus: Use the smallest proof that answers the question: file diagnostics, preview render, targeted build, then broader project build.

Phase 5 — Review

Load: apple-app-quality:code-analyzer and apple-app-quality:swiftui-view-refactor.

Focus: Review the change for architecture, clarity, test adequacy, and SwiftUI structure before broadening the validation scope.

Phase 6 — Test

Load: apple-app-quality:ios-testing.

Focus: Discover tests with GetTestList, run the smallest relevant slice with RunSomeTests, then broaden to RunAllTests only when justified.

Choosing Your Entry Point

Related Skills

• apple-app-architect:macos-development — planning and architecture modules

for Phase 0 and Phase 1.

• apple-design-system:macos-app-design — design-system and HIG guidance for

Phase 2.

• apple-design-system:apple-liquid-glass-design — Liquid Glass reference for

the design phase.

• apple-app-builder:autonomous-ui-workflow — implementation loop for Phase 3.
• apple-app-builder:xcode-mcp — direct Xcode MCP guidance for Phase 4.
• apple-app-quality:ios-testing — test strategy and execution guidance for

Phase 6.