DerivedData
DerivedData is the Xcode working folder that stores intermediate build products, indexes, logs, and other generated developer files for projects.
What is DerivedData?
DerivedData is a developer-data folder used by Xcode during app development and builds on macOS. It stores generated files such as intermediate build products, indexes, logs, symbols, and other working data that Xcode creates while compiling, testing, and running projects. Developers commonly encounter it when troubleshooting build issues, reclaiming disk space, or resetting project state after toolchain changes. The folder helps Xcode speed up repeated builds and maintain information needed for code indexing and debugging workflows. Its contents are recreated automatically as you open and build projects again, but removing it can temporarily slow the next build and may clear cached project state.
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Inspect caches, support files, folders, and related data before deleting items on Mac.
Safety overview
Status: Mostly safe
This folder is created and used by Xcode for development work. Deleting its contents is generally safe for source code because it stores generated build data rather than your original project files, but it can remove cached indexes, logs, symbols, and other temporary project state that Xcode will need to rebuild. If you depend on old build artifacts or diagnostic files for troubleshooting, keep those until you no longer need them.
Recommendation: Keep DerivedData if you actively use Xcode and want faster incremental builds and preserved project indexing. Remove it when you need to recover disk space, clear stale build artifacts, or fix build problems; Xcode will recreate the folder the next time you build, though the first rebuild may take longer.
File path
~/Library/Developer/Xcode/DerivedData
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