kmshdev 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:
- Define the app's purpose, target users, and core features.
- Identify the app archetype: document-based, library plus editor, utility, menu bar, or pro tool.
- Capture constraints that will shape the architecture: offline support, sync, data model complexity, platform targets, and accessibility expectations.
- 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:
- Choose navigation pattern (
NavigationSplitView,TabView, and related shell decisions). - Design state management (
@Observable, SwiftData, actor isolation). - Plan module boundaries and package seams.
- Define persistence strategy and external integration boundaries.
- 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:
- Review the relevant HIG and platform conventions.
- Decide which surfaces should use Liquid Glass and which should stay more restrained.
- Plan information architecture, sidebar structure, toolbar groupings, and accessibility expectations.
- 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
| Situation | Start At |
|---|---|
| Brand new app | Phase 0 |
| New feature in existing app | Phase 1 or 2 |
| UI design and API selection | Phase 2 with apple-design-system |
| Implementation handoff | Phase 3 after planning and design are complete |
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.