What is XCode?
XCode is a suite of tools that is known as an IDE (integrated development environment) and it is used mainly for app development for Mac OSX and iOS. Although it can be used for other development as well. The latest version is XCode 5 is available as a free download on the App Store. This is the version that is used for this tutorial. This tutorial will show you how to install XCode on OS X Mountain Lion along with the XCode Command Line Tools.
Installing XCode 5
First you’ll want to open the App Store
When the store opens, type “xcode” in the search box in the upper right hand corner.
The results should be displayed and XCode should be the first entry. Click the Install button.
You may be prompted for you Apple ID and password. If you don’t have one, it’s easy to register.
Once you successfully login, the download will begin.
When the download is complete, it will automatically begin the installation.
After it has finished downloading, go to your Applications folder and click on the XCode icon.
You might be prompted with a license agreement. If so, just agree and click next.
XCode will then start to update itself and download and install additional components.
When it finishes you should see this screen.
Next, you’ll want to install the XCode Command Line Tools. Go to “Preferences” and then click the “Downloads” tab.
Once there you should see the Command Line Tools with an arrow next to it. Click this arrow and the download/install will begin.



It’s a fairly large download, so it could take a while depending on your Internet connection.
That’s it! When it’s finished you will be able to start using XCode. Make some great apps for us!
I hope you found this useful. If so, be sure to share it or give it a +1!!
I can’t find “Downloads” after entering “Preferences” in steps 11.
so what can i do?
Hey Coco,
Are you on Mountain Lion, or are you using Mavericks?
For Mavericks, you have download the Command Line Tools separately from Apple.
Alternatively, you can also download the XCode Command Line Tools for all versions from a valid Apple Developer Account.
Let me know if you need anything else.
I use macbook air
There is no “downloads” tab under “preferences” (all other tabs are present except “downloads”. Using MBP w/ OSX El Capitan 10.11.6