How to fix "You don't have an extension for debugging Clojure"?

[kovan]

Hi,

I have moved from using Python to using Clojure in VSCode. So, I installed this extension because it had the most stars and, in my first project, if I try to run the application (via F5 or Ctrl+F5), I get the error:

You don't have an extension for debugging Clojure. Should we find a Clojure extension in the Marketplace?

How to fix?

Thank you for your time.

[PEZ]

Hi! Welcome to Calva!

Calva does have support for the VS Code debugger, but it works a bit different, mostly because Clojure is different.

That said. Most often you won't need a debugger. You can inspect values in the program while it is running, instead of using breakpoints and stop the program using what we call “inline defs”. Something like:

(defn hello [s]
  (def s s) ; inline def
  (str "Hello " s "!"))

(hello world) ; <- evaluate this, then evaluate `s` above

There are libraries, like Snitch, that help in instrumenting functions with inline defs. The companion extension Calva Power Tools, supports loading Snitch dynamically and has shortcuts for instrumenting functions with Snitch.

Hope this helps! Please consider joining the Clojurians Slack and find the #beginners, #clojure, and #calva channels there. http://clojurians.net

[kovan]

Ahh I see, thank you for the clarification.
But, at least, shouldn't the Run command work?. This doesn't involve debugging.

About the Slack channel, I tried joining but it looks like it is only for registered members, and I see no "register" option. Maybe I am doing something wrong also here? 😆

[PEZ]

Run doesn't really have meaning in typical Clojure development, as your app starts when you start the REPL and then stays running. It is a bit like you are running in the debugger all the time, minus the breakpoints. Though, in Calva if a breakpoint is found, it will pop into the debugger, with the application stopped there.

I am checking what's up with that Clojurians link. Thanks for the headsup! I'll let you know, when I know more.

[PEZ]

Ah, you are supposed to click Continue with Email. It will ask for your name and e-mail and then let you sign up. (I am told.)

[kovan]

OK, I get it. Thanks.
BTW if you have work that needs to be done maybe I can help, I have free time.