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Fixing Build Errors

Nativeline’s AI automatically fixes most build errors. But sometimes you need to step in. This guide covers manual intervention when automatic fixes fail.

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When Manual Intervention is Needed

You’ll need to intervene when:
  • The AI has tried 3 times and still failing
  • The same error keeps recurring
  • The AI is stuck in a loop
  • You understand the problem better than the AI

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The Manual Fix Process

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Step-by-Step

1

Recognize the Pattern

If you see the AI attempting fixes repeatedly without success, it’s time to intervene.
2

Press Run App

Click the Run App button in the Nativeline interface.
3

Wait for the Popup

A dialog appears asking what you want to do.
4

Click Apply Fix

Select Apply Fix — the AI will automatically analyze the error and attempt a fix.

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What Happens Next

The AI will:
  1. Automatically analyze the error
  2. Consider approaches it hasn’t tried
  3. Attempt a new fix
No additional input is required — clicking Apply Fix triggers automatic fixing.

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Providing Additional Context (Optional)

Clicking Apply Fix works automatically, but you can optionally help the AI by typing additional context in the chat.

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When to Provide Context

If Apply Fix alone isn’t solving the problem, try messaging the AI with details: 
The error says 'user' isn't found. I think it should be
'currentUser' from the AuthManager I created earlier.

This started happening after I added the camera feature.
The issue might be related to the new permission code.

The error mentions a type mismatch. The function expects
a String but I'm passing an Int from the slider value.
This is optional — most fixes work automatically without extra context.

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Understanding Common Errors

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”Cannot find ‘X’ in scope”

What it means: A variable, function, or type isn’t found. How to help: 
I think 'X' should be [correct name] from [file/location].
or 
I created 'X' in [file]. Maybe it needs to be imported or made public.

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”Type ‘X’ has no member ‘Y’”

What it means: Accessing a property or method that doesn’t exist. How to help: 
The property might be named differently. Check [struct/class name]
to see what properties it actually has.

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“Cannot convert value of type…”

What it means: Type mismatch. How to help: 
It needs a [correct type]. Convert the value or use a different property.

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“Missing argument for parameter”

What it means: Function call is incomplete. How to help: 
The function needs [parameter name]. It should be [value/source].

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“Value of optional type must be unwrapped”

What it means: Using a possibly-nil value unsafely. How to help: 
Safely unwrap it with a default value or guard statement.

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When the Same Error Keeps Returning

If the same error persists despite multiple fixes:

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1. Try a Different Approach

This approach isn't working. Try implementing [feature]
using [alternative method] instead.

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2. Simplify

/planclear
Let's try a simpler version without [complex part].

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3. Remove and Rebuild

Remove the code for [feature] completely and rebuild it from scratch.

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4. Work Around It

Skip this feature for now. Let's continue with the rest and
come back to this later.

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Using the Code Editor (Pro)

With a Pro plan, you can investigate and fix errors yourself:

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Finding the Error

  1. Open Code Editor tab
  2. Files with errors are highlighted
  3. Click to see the exact line
  4. Error message appears inline

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Making Manual Fixes

If you spot an obvious fix:
  1. Edit the code directly
  2. Save (Cmd+S)
  3. The app rebuilds automatically

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When to Edit Manually

Manual edits work well for:
  • Obvious typos
  • Simple variable name changes
  • Quick value adjustments
  • Adding missing imports
Leave complex fixes to the AI.

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Breaking the Error Loop

Sometimes the AI gets stuck trying the same thing repeatedly.

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Signs of a Loop

  • Same error message over and over
  • AI making the same changes
  • Undoing its own fixes
  • No progress after multiple attempts

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Breaking Out

Option 1: Explicit Different Approach 
Stop trying that approach. Instead, try [specific alternative].
Option 2: Clear and Restart 
/planclear
Let's start over with [feature]. Use a simpler approach this time.
Option 3: Manual Intervention If you have Pro plan, make the fix yourself in the code editor. Option 4: Temporary Skip 
Let's leave this for now and work on [other feature].
We'll come back to this later.

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Preventing Future Errors

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Build Incrementally

Don’t request huge features all at once: ❌ “Build a complete e-commerce system” ✅ “Add a product list page” → “Add product details” → “Add cart” → etc.

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Be Specific

Vague requests lead to implementation mistakes: ❌ “Make it work” ✅ “Connect the save button to store the form data in SwiftData”

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Test Frequently

Check after each change. Catching errors early is easier than debugging cascading failures.

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Use Reference Images

Visual references reduce misunderstandings and implementation errors.

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When to Start Fresh

Sometimes starting over is faster than fixing:

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Signs It’s Time to Rebuild

  • Multiple interconnected errors
  • Fundamental design flaw
  • More time debugging than building
  • The code structure is wrong

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Partial Rebuild

Delete all the [feature] code and rebuild it from scratch.
Keep everything else.

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Full Restart (Rare)

If the whole project is broken:
  1. Create a new project
  2. Describe your working features
  3. Rebuild more carefully
This is rare but sometimes the fastest path.

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Getting Help

If you’re stuck and nothing works:

Discord Community

Get help from other users

Contact Support

Email with your error details
Include in support requests:
  • macOS version
  • What you were building
  • The error message (screenshot)
  • What you’ve tried