Can I install Xcode on an external hard drive along with the iPhone Simulator.app?

Question

I want to install xcode to deploy a cross platform flutter application but I cant find enough space for Xcode is there any alternative solutions to just installing it on the

Answer 1

Here is what worked for me, not only for XCode, but for all of the apps.

1. Install MacOS into the external media (SSD would be better).
2. You need to enable booting from an external drive. You do that by Pressing Command and R right after you see the apple sign after reboot
3. Once you have MacOS installed on the external media, install any application you want. WhatsApp, XCode, IntelliJ, Adobe Photoshop ...etc
4. Once you are done, change the boot settings, to boot from the MacMini or Macbook pro drive.
5. Create symbolic links to the apps you installed on your external drive

Example:

cd /Applications ln -s "/Volumes/Extreme SSD/Applications/XCode.app" XCode.app

I have tried this on all applications on my Mac and it worked like a charm.

Advantages: - Less Headache. Copying XCode directory into external SSD might not work. I have done this, and weirdly enough, there was a directory loop and I ended up losing all my external SSD space.

- The application is installed in the way it should

Disadvantages: - You have to lose 12GB of for the installation of Mac

This is so far working for me like a charm.