macos-developer-skill_skill

Overview

This skill provides expert guidance for native macOS app development focused on AppKit, SwiftUI for Mac, and deep system integration. It covers building menu bar apps, XPC services, system extensions, and best practices for distribution, sandboxing, and performance. Use it to design robust macOS architecture and avoid common platform pitfalls.

How this skill works

The skill inspects architecture choices and implementation patterns for macOS-specific workflows: menu bar apps, document-based apps with XPC, Endpoint Security and Network System Extensions, and Catalyst ports. It evaluates entitlements, sandbox and notarization requirements, and recommends hybrid AppKit/SwiftUI patterns, IPC via NSXPCConnection, and safe background processing. It flags security red flags and suggests escalation when privileges or sensitive data handling are involved.

When to use it

• Building a native macOS app (App Store or direct DMG distribution).
• Creating a menu bar utility or status item with SwiftUI or AppKit.
• Isolating work into XPC services for crash and privilege separation.
• Implementing system extensions like Endpoint Security or Network Extension.
• Porting iPad apps to Mac via Catalyst and adjusting Mac UX.
• Automating admin tasks or integrating with system APIs (AppleScript/JXA).

Best practices

• Prefer a hybrid UI: SwiftUI for layout, AppKit for system controls and complex windows.
• Request minimal entitlements and use Keychain for secrets; avoid unnecessary Full Disk Access.
• Use XPC/NSXPCConnection to isolate heavy or privileged work from the main process.
• Always sign and notarize builds; enable Hardened Runtime for direct distribution.
• Avoid blocking the main thread—use DispatchQueue, Swift concurrency, or background services.
• Support standard macOS UX: keyboard shortcuts, multiple windows, Dark Mode, and accessibility.

Example use cases

• A compact menu bar utility with hidden Dock icon, quick actions, and background refresh.
• A document editor that offloads heavy processing to an XPC service for crash isolation.
• An Endpoint Security client that monitors file and process events with proper entitlements.
• A network monitoring tool implemented as a Network System Extension with user approval flow.
• Porting an iPad productivity app using Catalyst while adapting menus, windows, and keyboard shortcuts.