File Duplication Bug: Claude Code Creates Duplicate Files Causing Build Conflicts

[claudebuildsapps]

Bug Type

File Management / Code Generation

Severity

High - Causes build failures

Description

Claude Code appears to create duplicate files with identical names in different directories during code generation/refactoring sessions, causing Xcode build errors.

Evidence

• Project: Points iOS app
• Error: Multiple commands produce ModularDataExplorer.stringsdata
• Claude Code created the same file (ModularDataExplorer.swift) in multiple locations:
  • /Points/ErrorFixes/ModularFix/ModularDataExplorer.swift
  • /Points/ErrorFixes/NuclearFix/DataExplorer/ModularDataExplorer.swift
  • /Points/ErrorFixes/DataExplorerBackup/DataExplorer/ModularDataExplorer.swift

Impact

• Build system fails with "Multiple commands produce" error
• Requires manual cleanup of duplicate files
• Forces users to implement cleanup scripts
• Breaks development workflow

Reproduction Pattern

Appears to occur during iterative fixes where Claude Code creates multiple attempts at solving the same problem, placing files in different "fix" directories without removing previous attempts.

Expected Behavior

Claude Code should either:

1. Replace existing files rather than creating duplicates
2. Check for existing files before creating new ones
3. Clean up previous attempts when creating new solutions

Workaround Required

Manual cleanup script to find and remove duplicate files, clear derived data.

Environment

• Platform: macOS
• Project Type: iOS app (Xcode)
• Build System: Xcode build system

Generated with Claude Code