What is DevClean?
DevClean is a Mac app for developers who need to find and safely clean large disposable project folders.
macOS developer cleanup
DevClean
Clean up project folders like node_modules, Pods, DerivedData, and build caches without guessing what will be removed.
For macOS 13 or later. Built for Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.
What can it clean?
It detects common development folders including node_modules, Xcode DerivedData, Pods, Gradle caches, Python caches, Rust target, and SwiftPM builds.
Is it safe?
DevClean scans only folders you choose, shows every result, and moves selected folders to Trash by default.
Simple review flow
Free disk space without losing control.
DevClean is designed for people who understand that build folders are disposable, but still want a clear review step before anything changes.
Choose a folder
Select the project, workspace, Xcode, or cache folder you want DevClean to scan.
Review results
See size, folder type, modified date, and path for every found folder.
Select what to clean
Click any row to include or exclude it. Use Always Keep for folders that should never appear again.
Move to Trash
Clean selected folders safely. Permanent deletion exists only in Advanced settings.
Use cases
Useful when developer folders quietly take over your Mac.
DevClean is built for cleanup moments that are common in active development work, especially when the folder is generated and can be recreated later.
JavaScript workspaces
Find repeated node_modules, package cache, dist, coverage, and build output folders across many projects.
Xcode and iOS projects
Review DerivedData, simulator caches, DeviceSupport folders, unavailable simulators, archives, and other Xcode storage.
Mobile and backend stacks
Clean Pods, Gradle caches, Python caches, Rust target folders, SwiftPM builds, Docker build cache, and Colima data.
Cleanup targets
Built for common developer disk usage.
DevClean focuses on generated folders that can usually be recreated by package managers, build tools, or Xcode.
node_modules
Pods
Xcode DerivedData
Xcode archives
Xcode DeviceSupport
Unavailable simulators
Simulator runtimes
CoreSimulator caches
Gradle cache
npm cache
pnpm store
Yarn cache
Homebrew cache
Homebrew logs
Docker build cache
Colima data
Python __pycache__
pytest cache
SwiftPM .build
Rust target
Carthage build
dist and coverage
Cleanup guides
Answer pages for common Mac cleanup questions.
These pages are written for people searching for a specific cleanup problem, with short answers and practical review steps.
Why developers use it
Large folders are easy to create and hard to remember.
One workspace can contain many copies of dependencies, build output, simulator caches, and generated files. DevClean makes those folders visible, sortable, and easy to review.
Understand what is taking space
Scan results show folder size and path before cleanup.
Avoid broad system cleaners
DevClean is purpose-built for development folders, not general Mac maintenance.
Keep privacy local
File paths, scan results, and cleanup history stay on the Mac.
Safety model
Conservative by default.
DevClean starts with safe cleanup types and makes irreversible actions harder to reach.
Selected folders only
DevClean does not scan the whole Mac unless the user explicitly chooses a broad folder.
Visible review step
Every detected folder is shown before cleanup with size, type, and path.
Trash by default
Moved items can be restored until the Trash is emptied.
Advanced permanent delete
Permanent deletion requires an explicit Advanced cleanup method choice.
Purpose-built
Not a general Mac cleaner.
DevClean focuses on development folders where path, project context, and cleanup method matter. It avoids broad system cleanup and keeps every result reviewable.
| Criteria | General Mac cleaner | Manual Finder cleanup | DevClean |
|---|---|---|---|
| Developer targets | Broad app caches, system storage, and generic temporary files. | Only the folders you already know to search for. | Finds node_modules, Pods, Xcode DerivedData, simulator data, package caches, and build output. |
| Project context | Often grouped by broad category, outside the project workflow. | You must inspect each folder path yourself. | Shows each result with folder type, size, modified date, and path. |
| Selection control | Usually category-level or app-level choices. | One folder at a time in Finder. | Select, clear, filter, and review individual results before cleanup. |
| Default cleanup | Depends on the cleaner and selected action. | Manual delete or manual move to Trash. | Moves selected folders to Trash by default so they can be restored before Trash is emptied. |
| Large workspaces | Not optimized for repeated dependency and build folders. | Slow to find duplicates across many projects. | Scans chosen roots and surfaces repeated generated folders across projects. |
| Advanced cleanup | Risk level can be hard to understand from broad labels. | Fully manual, with no built-in safety explanation. | Permanent delete is an explicit advanced choice, separate from Move to Trash. |
| Best use | General storage maintenance. | Small one-off cleanup when you know the exact folder. | Developer disk cleanup with clear results, project context, and safer defaults. |
Answers
DevClean FAQ
How do I clean node_modules on Mac safely?
Choose the folder where you keep projects, scan with DevClean, review each node_modules result, unselect anything you want to keep, then move selected folders to Trash.
Can DevClean clean Xcode DerivedData?
Yes. DevClean can detect Xcode DerivedData and other Xcode-related folders such as individual archives, DeviceSupport versions, unavailable simulators, simulator runtimes, and CoreSimulator caches.
Does DevClean permanently delete files?
Move to Trash is the default. Permanent deletion is available only in Advanced settings and shows a separate warning.
Does DevClean upload file paths or scan results?
No. DevClean works locally. It does not upload file names, folder paths, scan results, or cleanup history.
Direct download
DevClean for macOS
Download DevClean 1.0.0 for macOS 13 or later. The app is signed with Developer ID and notarized by Apple for direct distribution.