Deleting Derived Data from Xcode 4.2 project doesn't re-index project

Question

Indexing, code completion, & coloring disappear from my projects on a fairly regular basis, usually right after I add a file. And then it returns hours or days later, usually for unknown reasons (I've tried keeping a record but it's pretty random). CMD-clicking on even known terms (like viewDidLoad: or NSLocalizedString) result in a "Symbol Not Found" error.

It happens with Xcode 4.2 (I believe it happened in Xcode 4.0.2, but not as frequent). I have no build errors, warnings, or static analysis messages.
I've restarted Xcode.
I've tried turning precompile off.
I don't have a case where I've got a circular header file include/import.
It happens if I use gcc, LLVM, CLang (in whatever combo).
It happens if I use iOS 4.3 or 5.0.
I've tried deleting the "derived data.", and even only the Index/ path.
After deletion & re-build I see the .hmap file & .xcindex folder (filled with db.xcodeindexdb* files).

...but I can't get code-completion, symbol detection, or coloring back.

What else can I do? I sincerely appreciate the help.

Answer 1

I just had this issue. What worked for me is clearing the derived data, then closing the project and re-opening it. It didn't reindex until I closed and re-opened the project. The project never compiled fully, so it didn't even have to finish building to work.

Answer 2

Your thread is old, but anyway...

Deleting the derived data folder helps me everytime. I have to do it quite regularly, which is very annoying. Your find the path in the xCode-Settings(cmd+,) in the locations-tab.

Answer 3

The most reliable way I've found to force re-indexing of the project is to change the build settings, specifically 'Run Static Analyzer' - I wish I had a real answer though.

Answer 4

I have exactly the same problem for one particular project. Following workaround works for me: apart from deleting Derived Data , I make an SVN update or revert any file of the project. If the project file itself is changed my Xcode displays wrong target ,so I close the project and re-open it and then indexing starts properly.

Answer 5

This might seem like a silly response, but have you tried to repair file permissions under disk maintenance?

Answer 6

Have you tried a clean install (sudo /Developer/Library/uninstall-devtools)?