app_get_container

Retrieves the absolute filesystem path to an application’s container directory on a simulator device. You can request the app bundle container, the data container (where documents, caches, and preferences are stored), or a specific App Group shared container. This is essential for inspecting app data, debugging file storage issues, or verifying Core Data databases.

Parameters

Parameter	Type	Required	Default	Description
`deviceId`	string	Yes	—	The UDID of the target simulator device.
`bundleId`	string	Yes	—	The bundle identifier of the installed app.
`container`	string	No	`"app"`	The container type to retrieve. Accepted values: `"app"` (the app bundle), `"data"` (the data/sandbox directory), `"groups"` (list all App Group containers), or a specific App Group identifier (e.g., `"group.com.example.shared"`).

Usage Examples

Get the app bundle container

“Where is the WeatherApp bundle installed on the simulator?”

{
  "deviceId": "F3A1B2C3-D4E5-6789-ABCD-EF0123456789",
  "bundleId": "com.example.weatherapp"
}

Get the data container

“Show me the data directory for the WeatherApp so I can inspect its database.”

{
  "deviceId": "F3A1B2C3-D4E5-6789-ABCD-EF0123456789",
  "bundleId": "com.example.weatherapp",
  "container": "data"
}

Get a specific App Group container

“Find the shared container used by the app and its widget extension.”

{
  "deviceId": "F3A1B2C3-D4E5-6789-ABCD-EF0123456789",
  "bundleId": "com.example.weatherapp",
  "container": "group.com.example.weatherapp.shared"
}

List all App Group containers

“Show me all the App Group containers for this app.”

{
  "deviceId": "F3A1B2C3-D4E5-6789-ABCD-EF0123456789",
  "bundleId": "com.example.weatherapp",
  "container": "groups"
}

Example Output

Container path retrieved.
Device: F3A1B2C3-D4E5-6789-ABCD-EF0123456789
Bundle ID: com.example.weatherapp
Container: data
Path: /Users/dev/Library/Developer/CoreSimulator/Devices/F3A1B2C3-D4E5-6789-ABCD-EF0123456789/data/Containers/Data/Application/8E7F6A5B-4C3D-2E1F-0A9B-8C7D6E5F4A3B

app_install — Install the app whose container you want to inspect.
app_list — List installed apps to confirm the bundle ID.
app_uninstall — Uninstall the app, which removes all container directories.
diagnostics — Collect a diagnostic report that may include container info.