Application development is a fascinating story with some challenges. Command Phase Script Execution failed with a nonzero exit code is one of the common bugs developers face when they are using Xcode (Apple’s development environment).
Not to worry if the error seems a bit complicated, once you know the causes as well as their solutions, you will know how to fix it!
Here, we discuss what this error is, the reasons that cause it, and a stepwise way to fix it. Understanding how to resolve this problem, will ensure that you don’t pause your projects while waiting for the solution to be addressed.
What Does the Error Mean?
The issue of command phase script execution failed with a nonzero exit code: A command of the phase script execution is a command that runs in the build process of your Xcode.
Xcode performs several steps to compile your code, package your app, and build its resources as part of the build process. This error could be caused if a script in this process has a problem.
Put this way, it means that Xcode is attempting to run a script that does a certain task, but something is failing along the way and causing the build process to exit. A “nonzero exit code” means the script wasn’t completed successfully, indicating something needs to be fixed.
Why Does This Error Happen?
There are several reasons why this error might occur, including:
Syntax Errors in the Script: Syntax Errors in the Script Mistakes in the script code, such as typos or missing commands, can prevent it from running correctly.
Missing Dependencies The script might depend on some other tool/library/filepath that is not available or well-configured.
Permission Issues: The script might not have the necessary permissions to access specific files or directories.
Wrong Path References: If the script is using incorrect paths to reference files or tools, it may not be able to find them, throwing an error.
Environment Conflicts: Incorrect environment variables or improperly configured environments may disrupt the execution of a script.
As long as you identify the root cause, you can remediate the issue most optimally.
How to Identify the Problem
Start with figuring out what is causing the error. Xcode’s error message typically gives hints about the script or step that fails. Here is how you might take on the issue:
Check the Build Log
Xcode’s build log is a great source for finding out what went wrong. It gives lots of details for each step during the build process such as the script that has failed. To view the build log:
- Select the red error triangle in Xcode
- You can expand the log entry for the failed step to see the full error message and the output.
Search for markers like the name of the script and any error messages it produced. This will help you to identify the problem.
Review the Script Code
If the error references a specific script, check the code of that script. Check for scripting errors or anything else that will cause it not to run. Also, note anything about files, tools, or variables they are also common points of failure.
Confirm File Paths and Permissions
Check and make sure all file paths used in the script are correct and accessible Make sure that the relevant permissions are set, if, for example, the script has to read or write files. To change file permissions through terminal commands like chmod, or in Finder.
Update Dependencies
The script won’t run correctly it is missing dependencies. Ensure any dependencies required by the script are installed and up to date (if the script requires some external tools/libraries/frameworks). Depending on your project, the tools can be used for the dependencies: brew, npm, pip, etc.
Common Scenarios and Fixes
In this blog, let’s discuss some common scenarios where this error comes up and how to avoid them:
An issue with the Run Script Phase
This is common in many Xcode projects to have custom-run script phases that do things like generating files or cleaning up resources. If any of these scripts fail, it may cause terror.
To fix it:
- Open your project in Xcode.
- Go to the “Build Phases” in your target settings:
- Find the run script phase that’s causing the problem.
- Check if the script code is correct and if you can reconfigure it.
E.g. if the script was a tool, validate that the tool exists and that script is using it accurately.
Missing CocoaPods Integration
One of the most frequent issues with the pods is a missing Pods directory if your project uses CocoaPods for managing things. This leads to mistakes when building the application.
To resolve this:
- Make sure to run pod install in your project’s directory so everything is set.
- Remove any trailing whitespace in the workspace file (So, you would not open the .xcworkspace) to open the project, not the .xcodeproject file.
Outdated Derived Data
Clean out old build projects, they can sometimes cause errors. Try deleting derived data for your project.
To do this:
- Select Xcode > Preferences > Locations.
- Click on the arrow next to the derived data path to open the folder.
- Now delete the folder for your project.
- Rebuild the project in Xcode.
Environment Variable Collisions
If the script requires certain environment variables, confirm that they are set correctly. For defining environment variables, you can define those in the script itself or in your Xcode build settings in the “Build Phases” tab.
How the Error Can Be Avoided Going Forward
Once you’ve fixed the problem, you should take preventive steps so that errors like this don’t happen again. Here are some best practices:
Run Your Scripts in Isolation: Test your scripts by themselves to make sure they work as intended before integrating them into the Xcode build process.
Absolute Paths: If you can, the paths to files and the tools you rely on should always be absolute, preferably full absolute paths, to prevent issues with relative paths.
Document Dependencies: Track the tools and libraries your scripts need to function, so you can quickly reinstall or update them in the future.
Keep Tools Up To Date: Make sure your development tools, libraries, and dependencies are up to date to prevent compatibility problems.
Conclusion
Xcode — The degrade “Command PhaseScriptExecution failed with a nonzero exit code” error. You can get your app back working by identifying the causes, going through the build log, and applying the right fixes.
Every bug you solve is an opportunity to learn and enhance your development skills. With patience and practice, you’ll find that you’re getting more comfortable handling challenges like these and that your projects are running smoothly and efficiently.
