CodeWithChris
Building an iOS app with AI isn’t just about “telling it what to do.”You need a setup that makes prompting easier, keeps things organized, and avoids those “oh no, I broke it” moments.Here’s how I set up my AI dev environment so I can build faster (and safer).--First, open your Xcode project in Cursor.Cursor is your AI coding environment — like VS Code but with AI deeply integrated.We’re going to:- Set it up to launch the iOS simulator- Add rules for how we want AI to code- Create a file for step-by-step build instructionsThe iOS simulator is your “virtual iPhone” for testing apps.Being able to run it from Cursor lets you can run your app without switching back to Xcode.It keeps you in flow and saves a surprising amount of time when you’re prompting and testing AI-generated code.--Add a Cursor Rules file.This is where you set guidelines for how you want AI to code — file structure, naming conventions, frameworks to use, etc.Think of it as guardrails so AI writes code the way you like it.--Create an Instructions file.This is where you:- Write out your app idea- Break it into small steps- Have AI build one step at a timeWhy? AI does better when you feed it a clear, bite-sized to-do list instead of a massive “build the whole app” prompt.--Here’s an easy first AI coding task to try:In your new project, tell AI to add a button the default label. When tapped, the label’s text changes to something new.Why?- It’s simple, so you can quickly see AI’s output- You learn how to phrase prompts for precise results- It’s the fastest way to build confidence before moving to bigger features--When (not if) AI breaks your build, don’t panic.You have options:- Ask AI to fix it, giving it the exact error text as context- Undo changes to before the issue happened- Revert to a previous checkpoint--Pro tip: Learn to recognize common errors. Over time, you’ll be able to fix some of them yourself without waiting for AI.This skill compounds fast — the more errors you troubleshoot, the better your prompts become.--These are some takeaways from Part 3 of my Build an App with AI video series here on YT.If you want to follow along via video, you know where to go!
1 month ago | [YT] | 85
CodeWithChris
Building an iOS app with AI isn’t just about “telling it what to do.”
You need a setup that makes prompting easier, keeps things organized, and avoids those “oh no, I broke it” moments.
Here’s how I set up my AI dev environment so I can build faster (and safer).
--
First, open your Xcode project in Cursor.
Cursor is your AI coding environment — like VS Code but with AI deeply integrated.
We’re going to:
- Set it up to launch the iOS simulator
- Add rules for how we want AI to code
- Create a file for step-by-step build instructions
The iOS simulator is your “virtual iPhone” for testing apps.
Being able to run it from Cursor lets you can run your app without switching back to Xcode.
It keeps you in flow and saves a surprising amount of time when you’re prompting and testing AI-generated code.
--
Add a Cursor Rules file.
This is where you set guidelines for how you want AI to code — file structure, naming conventions, frameworks to use, etc.
Think of it as guardrails so AI writes code the way you like it.
--
Create an Instructions file.
This is where you:
- Write out your app idea
- Break it into small steps
- Have AI build one step at a time
Why? AI does better when you feed it a clear, bite-sized to-do list instead of a massive “build the whole app” prompt.
--
Here’s an easy first AI coding task to try:
In your new project, tell AI to add a button the default label. When tapped, the label’s text changes to something new.
Why?
- It’s simple, so you can quickly see AI’s output
- You learn how to phrase prompts for precise results
- It’s the fastest way to build confidence before moving to bigger features
--
When (not if) AI breaks your build, don’t panic.
You have options:
- Ask AI to fix it, giving it the exact error text as context
- Undo changes to before the issue happened
- Revert to a previous checkpoint
--
Pro tip: Learn to recognize common errors. Over time, you’ll be able to fix some of them yourself without waiting for AI.
This skill compounds fast — the more errors you troubleshoot, the better your prompts become.
--
These are some takeaways from Part 3 of my Build an App with AI video series here on YT.
If you want to follow along via video, you know where to go!
1 month ago | [YT] | 85