Unexpected 'lldb' command alert on 2019 MacBook Pro

Question

Level 1

23 points

Unexpected 'lldb' command alert on 2019 MacBook Pro

Upon closing an app I was running, I noticed a small window was on my desktop. It said, "The 'lldb' command requires the command line developer tools. Would you like to install the tools now?"

I did not allow it because I did not know what it was and I would never install anything on my 2019 16" MacBook Pro if I did not know the content or author.

Upon research, I have learned that this is a debugging program by Apple. I need help with the following questions:

Why has this popped up now for the first time after six years of using this computer, which I purchased new?
Should I install it if it ever pops up again?
Is the sudden appearance of this alert an indication that something is wrong with my computer?

If you can help, I would be so grateful. While I would appreciate it if your response was limited to the specific questions I asked, if there is something else I need to now about this, please do not hesitate to elaborate. I am aware that I might not be asking the right questions since I do not know much about this.

It might be important to mention that a few days ago, after installing the new Tahoe 26.0.1, my RAM-starving computer slowed to a sluggish crawl. It is barely usable. I attempted to install an older OS, only to learn that was stupid – at least the way I was approaching it – and I am stuck with Tahoe.

God bless you all.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Unknown Alert

MacBook Pro 16″

Posted on Oct 6, 2025 3:19 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Oct 6, 2025 3:39 PM in response to MarydaleEd1

I’d expect that the app crashed, possibly due to change on macOS 26, or possibly due to resource constraints, or possibly due to some other bug in the app.

Check for app updates, then contact the app maintainer.

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Answer 2

6x6

Level 6

18,663 points

Oct 7, 2025 3:12 PM in response to MarydaleEd1

Finding the application that pops this message is not going to be easy. There is a tool in Xcode that could help but it might be overkill to install Xcode at this point.

I found this discussion where @ccpizza uses Automator (in the Applications folder) to record interactions with a window. Here is an example of clicking an app in the Dock (the Dock is a window):

It shows (top right) the name of the application owning this window, in this case the Dock.

I'm not sure this would work in your situation but it's worth a try.

[Edited by Moderator]

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Answer 3

MarydaleEd1 Author

Level 1

23 points

Oct 6, 2025 7:10 PM in response to MrHoffman

Thank you very much for taking the time to respond. However, no app crashed. I would have mentioned an event like that. I was in the app, finished my business, closed the app, and when the app closed, I found the alert had been waiting for me on my desktop. There was no event that had any negative connotations before that happened. I was using an app I have used for years, closed it, and found the window opened on my desktop with the alert. I hope this helps.

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Answer 4

6x6

Level 6

18,663 points

Oct 6, 2025 7:26 PM in response to MarydaleEd1

Was the alert window hiding behind the window of your app or did it popped up right after closing the application? I'm wondering if the alert window could be triggered by another app, perhaps a background service/application.

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Answer 5

MarydaleEd1 Author

Level 1

23 points

Oct 7, 2025 1:43 PM in response to 6x6

Thank you very much for responding and thank you for asking questions before drawing a conclusion. The alert was behind my window when I was on an app. When I closed the app, I found it on my desktop. It was not triggered by an event.

I was on an app, (a game), closed it, and then a couple of minutes later I opened another game, played it for a while, and when I closed it, I found that alert window behind my app. It did not just pop up. However, it had not been there when I was on my previous app. Also, I played my game without any trouble.

I would like to add that both of these games have been on my computer for years and I have enjoyed them with no trouble.

Again, thank you for your time and effort put forth in trying to assist me. I hope to hear again from you and from anyone else who knows about this.

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