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If you already have Xcode on your Mac, you don’t need this useful set of Unix tools. If not, this step-by-step guide will show you Install Xcode Command Line Tools on Mac directly from the web or by using the “xcode-select” install command in Terminal.
You need the Xcode Command Line Tools package if you prefer to code Mac apps using the command line. It has compilers, debuggers, and other development tools and utilities that can be used through Terminal without the whole Xcode integrated development environment.
Xcode Command Line Tools is a package for software developers who want to use UNIX-style commands to build Mac apps. It comes with Apple’s Xcode integrated development environment, but you can also download a version that doesn’t need Xcode.
Install Xcode Command Line Tools on Mac
- Use Spotlight Finder to open Terminal by pressing Command + Enter at the same time
- Type the word “Terminal” into the search bar that pops up
- Hit Enter to open Terminal
Downloading command line tools in Terminal on Mac
- With Terminal open type this exact command into the space to the right of your username: “xcode-select –install”
- Hit Enter once you have typed in that command
- When the popup box populates asking if you want to install the tools needed for the command, select Install, then select Agree on the next popup—you can, of course, read the terms if you wish
What Is Included in Xcode Command Line Tools?
The Xcode Command Line Tools package includes the software development kit (SDK) frameworks and headers, as well as a wide range of tools for command-line development, such as Apple’s LLVM compiler and linker, the Make command, and other useful Terminal commands. Xcode Command Tools comes with 112 commands for the Terminal (as of v14.2).
If you didn’t know, Terminal on your Mac gives you access to the world of UNIX commands. So, if you want to get the most out of Terminal, check out our full list of Mac terminal commands. It’s a great way to look up all the important commands you need to know.
FAQ
How to install Xcode CLI tools on Mac?
- Start Xcode on the Mac.
- Choose Preferences from the Xcode menu.
- In the General panel, click Downloads.
- On the Downloads window, choose the Components tab.
- Click the Install button next to Command Line Tools.
How do I download Xcode command line tools?
Go to https://developer.apple.com/download/more/ Sign up for an Apple developer account if you don’t already have one, then download and install the most recent Command Line Tools package that your operating system can handle.
How do I access command line tools?
- Right-click a Command Prompt shortcut.
- Click Run As Administrator. When you open the Command Prompt window as Administrator, an operating-system dialog appears that asks you if you want to continue. Click Continue to proceed.