Effective Debugging Techniques for Gradle

Aug 30, 2024

Debugging Gradle Builds

Introduction

  • Debugging Gradle builds can be frustrating.
  • Video discusses 3 ways to debug Gradle effectively.

Debugging with IntelliJ IDEA

  • IntelliJ IDEA is a popular IDE for Java and Gradle development.
  • Example: Big error appeared: "Gradle exception unsupported operating system."
    • Steps to Debug:
      1. Open project and locate error.
      2. Set a breakpoint by clicking on the left-hand side of the code.
      3. Open the Gradle panel (right-hand side), select a task, right-click, and hit the debug button.
      4. Execution stops at the breakpoint.
      5. Utilize IDE's debug tools:
        • Step over lines (F8).
        • Check variable values.
        • Browse the stack to identify errors.

Debugging a Plugin with Command Line

  • Scenario: Debugging inside a plugin, e.g., com.palantir.docker plugin.
  • Steps to Debug:
    1. Run build with a debug flag: gradle w docker -Dorg.gradle.debug=true.
    2. Execution suspends, waiting for a remote debugger.
    3. Open plugin project, navigate to code, and set a breakpoint.
    4. Go to "Run Debug Configurations," add a remote debug configuration on port 5005.
    5. Select the correct module classpath and connect.
    6. Use IDE debug tools to investigate plugin code.

Debugging a Gradle Plugin Test

  • Context: Writing tests for Gradle plugins using Gradle Runner.
  • Issue: Test fails without stopping at breakpoints.
  • Solution:
    1. Use gradle runner to create a temporary build.
    2. Add .withDebug(true) in your test setup.
    3. Run the test in debug mode to pause at breakpoints.

Summary

  • Key Flags & Tools:
    • Use -Dorg.gradle.debug=true for remote debugging.
    • Use .withDebug(true) for debugging plugin tests with Gradle Runner.
  • IDE Benefits: Access comprehensive debug tools, step over code, and inspect execution flow.

Conclusion

  • These methods provide structured approaches to resolving Gradle build issues.
  • Encouragement to share tips or ask questions in the comments.

  • Closing: Thanks for watching, and look forward to the next episode on Tom Gregory Tech.