macOS Apps & tools

Install Xcode Command Line Tools on Mac

Required foundation for developers and many CLI tools on macOS.

7 min read Beginner Updated 9 Jun 2026

Step-by-step guide

Work through each section in order. Stop when your issue is resolved — you do not need every step for every situation.

Warning

Create a Time Machine backup before major updates, disk operations, or security changes on macOS.

What you will achieve

Required foundation for developers and many CLI tools on macOS.

1) Install via GUI prompt

xcode-select --install

2) Verify compiler and git availability

xcode-select -p
clang --version
git --version

3) Accept licence if prompted

sudo xcodebuild -license accept

Related guides

command line tools macos xcode