No-config debugging

[cwebster-99]

⚠️ Please see our wiki for more information on this feature and troubleshooting tips!

Hey folks 👋

After listening to community feedback that configuring the debugger can be difficult and confusing, we have begun working on a no-config debugging experience! We are excited to say that this is now available in the pre-release version of the Python debugger extension. To install the pre-release version of the extension, navigate to the Extensions view, and select "Install Pre-release" if you do not already have the extension installed, or select "Switch to Pre-Release" on the Extensions page.

As the name implies, this workflow allows you to start the debugger without creating or managing a Python debug confirmation in launch.json. Simply replace python with debugpy prefixed in your run command in the terminal, for example debugpy main.py, to start a debug session. (We also recommend adding the following to your User settings.json file: "python.experiments.optOutFrom": ["pythonTerminalEnvVarActivation"]).

You'll see feedback in the terminal that a debug session is starting and the debug toolbar pop up in the editor. Set break points in the UI and open up the debug toolbar to use all of VS Code's debugging functionality.

no.config.debug.mp4

We consider this our initial approach but acknowledge there is room to grow! We would love initial feedback on this workflow, how it works for you, and if you have any suggestions for how this can further be improved.

Happy Python coding!

Tracking issue: #88

[jimisola]

Is this something that your friends making the Java extension could implement as well?

[cwebster-99]

@jimisola I encourage you to open an issue on their repo requesting similar support so the team can consider and prioritize this in their extension!