How to install Xcode from xip file

Question

I am very new to macOS, I just need a mac with Xcode to compile my app. However, with macOS Sierra, I have a problem with my USB that is not working anymore (i can't plug my ipad pro)

Under OSX el capitan my usb works great, but now the problem is that app store offer me to download the Xcode 8.3 only that can work only on Sierra (strange they offer you to download something not compatible with your system but doesn't matter, it's apple). so the only way i have is to download manually the xcode 8.2.1

Now my question, how to install the Xcode_8.2.1.xip I just downloaded? and in near future, if I need to update xcode (I guess downloading myself a new version), how will I do? Also where the preferences and configurations settings are saved? does these preferences will be lost on each update?

Answer 1

Double-click the xip file and it will extract the Xcode application. Move Xcode to the Applications folder and you are good to go.

The App Store should present the Xcode update once you update to Sierra (macOS 10.12). If it doesn't you can download Xcode directly from the App Store. The preferences are stored in /Users/<username>/Library/Preferences and are not impacted by updating the version of Xcode or OS.