TL;DR
To install Xcode command line tools on Mac:
- Open Terminal (Finder > Applications > Utilities).
- Type xcode-select –install and press Enter.
- Click Install on the pop-up and follow the instructions.
- Click Done when the installation completes.
Tried and Tested ✅: The methods and steps mentioned in this article have been tried and tested firsthand by Ojash Yadav on his MacBook Pro M3 and rechecked for errors on Hashir’s MacBook Air M2.
If you need Xcode Command Line Tools but don’t know where to start, this guide is here to help. After trying different methods, I’ve found the easiest way to install them quickly and efficiently.
What Are Xcode Command Line Tools on Mac?
Xcode Command Line Tools on Mac are a set of software tools that allow you to develop software directly from the Terminal. They include basic developer tools like compilers, debuggers, and Git for version control.
You can use these tools to write and compile code, manage repositories, and automate tasks without needing the full Xcode app. These tools are essential for macOS or iOS development and for using software like Homebrew.
Did You Know? The Xcode Command Line Tools package is only about 150 MB, while the full Xcode IDE takes up over 12 GB of disk space! If you’re not doing full app development, the Command Line Tools are all you need to compile code, use Git, and run other development tasks from the Terminal.
How to Install Xcode Command Line Tools on Mac
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Below, I’ve shared three different methods you can use to install Xcode Command Line Tools on Mac
1. Use Terminal to Install Xcode Command Line Tools
If you’re a fan of efficiency and prefer to cut straight to the chase, using the Terminal to install Xcode Command Line Tools on Mac is the way to go. Follow these steps to install Xcode Command Line Tools on Mac through the Terminal:
- Open the Terminal by going to Finder > Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
- Type the following command and press Enter:
xcode-select --install
- Click Install on the pop-up prompting you to confirm installing Xcode Command Line Tools.
- The process can take a while. Once done, a pop-up window will appear, reading, “The software was installed.” Click Done.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the installation.
2. Get Xcode Command Line Tools From the Web
The simplest way to install Xcode Command Line Tools is by manually downloading them directly from Apple’s developer website. To download the Xcode Command Line Tools on Mac via the web, follow these steps:
- Navigate to Apple’s developer website and sign in using your Apple ID.
- Type command line tools into the search bar and press Enter.
- Select View Details beneath the version you’d like to install, and click the corresponding DMG file to start the download.
- Once downloaded, locate the file in your Downloads folder and double-click to mount it as a virtual disk.
- Open the Command Line Tools.pkg file from the mounted disk, which will initiate the installer.
- Follow the installer’s on-screen prompts to complete the setup.
3. Use Homebrew to Install Command Line Tools
Homebrew is a popular package manager for macOS, and while it doesn’t directly install Xcode Command Line Tools, it can trigger the installation process if the tools are not already installed. Here’s how you can use Homebrew to install Xcode Command Line Tools:
- Open Terminal
- Go to Applications > Utilities, then open Terminal.
- If you don’t have Homebrew installed, you can install it by running this command in Terminal:
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"- Once Homebrew is installed, you can trigger the installation of Xcode Command Line Tools by trying to install any package, for example:
brew install wget- If Xcode Command Line Tools are not already installed, you will be prompted to install them at this stage. A pop-up will appear prompting you to install the Command Line Tools. Click Install and follow the instructions.
- Once installation is complete, verify it by running:
xcode-select -pIf the tools are installed, the command will return the installation path.
How to Uninstall Xcode Command Line Tools on Mac
When you no longer need the Xcode Command Line Tools, it’s a good idea to uninstall them to free up disk space and keep your system clean. Here is how to do it:
- Open Terminal by going to Applications > Utilities and double-clicking Terminal.
- In Terminal, type the following command and press Enter:
sudo rm -rf /Library/Developer/CommandLineTools- Enter your administrator password when prompted (it won’t display as you type) and press Enter. The system will remove the Command Line Tools.
- To verify uninstallation, run this command:
xcode-select -pIf uninstalled, you’ll see an error message saying the tools are not found.
Don’t Want to Uninstall Xcode? Clear Old Files Instead
Old Xcode files, like iOS simulators and app archives, can take up a lot of space on your Mac. Using MacKeeper’s Safe Cleanup tool, you can quickly scan and remove these unnecessary files, freeing up storage and improving your Mac’s performance.
Install Xcode Command Line Tools on Your Mac
Xcode Command Line Tools serve as the backbone of a versatile and efficient development environment, whether you’re a seasoned developer or just getting started on your coding journey. If you want to improve your productivity further, consider these tips:
- Organize your Mac files to reduce clutter and boost performance.
- If you regularly develop software or apps, it’s a good idea to clone your Mac’s hard drive to keep your files safe.
- Use Time Machine to restore deleted files, back up regularly to prevent data loss.
