Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about SwiftLens
How does SwiftLens help me save on token usage?
SwiftLens uses compiler-grade semantic analysis to extract only relevant symbols, types, and relationships, dramatically reducing token consumption. It provides precise, structured data through the Model Context Protocol (MCP), delivering targeted symbol extraction that can reduce context size by 60-90%.
How is SwiftLens different from GitHub Copilot?
Unlike Copilot, SwiftLens embeds at the language-server level and extracts actual syntax trees and compiler diagnostics. It is fully agnostic across AI models, provides compiler-accurate insight, and is an extensible LSP plugin compared to Copilot's closed-service approach.
Do I need to be an AI expert to use SwiftLens?
Not at all! SwiftLens works seamlessly with AI agents like Claude Desktop. Just install it, and your AI will automatically gain Swift superpowers.
Is my code secure with SwiftLens?
SwiftLens is open-source and runs entirely on your local machine. Your code never leaves your computer. The dashboard runs on localhost only, and all analysis happens locally using Apple's tools.
What are the system requirements?
You need macOS with Xcode installed, Python 3.10+, and an MCP-compatible AI client (like Claude Desktop or Code).
Can I use the free version commercially?
The free version is licensed under Elastic License 2.0 for personal use only. For commercial, organizational, or hosted use, please contact us to get a license.
Which AI assistants work with SwiftLens?
SwiftLens works with any MCP-compatible AI client including Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor, Windsurf, VS Code MCP, Cline, BoltAI, RecurseChat, Continue, and TypingMind. It's model-agnostic, so it works with Claude, GPT, and other AI models.
How accurate is SwiftLens compared to manual code analysis?
SwiftLens provides 100% compiler-accurate results because it uses Apple's SourceKit LSP directly. This means it sees your code exactly as the Swift compiler does, eliminating false positives and missed references that plague text-based search tools.
Can SwiftLens work with large codebases?
Yes! SwiftLens is optimized for performance and can handle enterprise-scale Swift projects. It uses intelligent indexing and caching to provide instant results even on codebases with thousands of files.
Does SwiftLens require an internet connection?
No, SwiftLens runs entirely locally on your machine. Once installed, it doesn't require any internet connection to function. All code analysis happens on your local machine using Apple's tools.
How often is SwiftLens updated?
SwiftLens is actively maintained with regular updates. We track Swift language changes, add new tools based on user feedback, and continuously improve performance. Updates are available through the standard Python package system.
Can I contribute to SwiftLens development?
Absolutely! SwiftLens is open-source and we welcome contributions. Visit our GitHub repository to report issues, suggest features, or submit pull requests.
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