Code Execution & Debugging

JEditor includes a built-in code execution engine that supports running Python scripts, compiled languages, and arbitrary shell commands — all without leaving the editor.

Running Python Scripts

Press F5 to run the current Python file. JEditor will:

  1. Detect the Python interpreter (or virtual environment if present)

  2. Execute the script in a background process

  3. Stream real-time output to the result panel

  4. Display errors in red for easy identification

Virtual Environment Support:

JEditor automatically detects venv directories in the project root and uses the virtual environment’s Python interpreter for execution, ensuring correct package resolution.

You can also manually select a Python interpreter from the Python Env menu.

Debugging

Press F9 to launch the current Python file in debug mode:

  • Python debugger (pdb) integration

  • Variable inspection during execution (see Variable Inspector below)

  • Step-through debugging capabilities

Stop Execution

  • Shift+F5 — Stop all running processes

  • Individual processes can also be stopped from the Run menu

Running Other Languages

Through the plugin system, JEditor supports running files in other languages:

Interpreted Languages (run directly):

  • Go — go run file.go

  • Java — java file.java

Compiled Languages (compile then run):

  • C — gcc file.c -o file && ./file

  • C++ — g++ file.cpp -o file && ./file

  • Rust — rustc file.rs -o file && ./file

See Plugin System for details on adding run configurations for new languages.

Shell Command Execution

JEditor provides a built-in shell for running arbitrary commands:

  • Execute any shell/terminal command

  • Cross-platform shell support: cmd, PowerShell, bash, sh

  • Select your preferred shell from the console widget’s dropdown

  • Real-time output streaming with color-coded results

  • Stop running shell processes at any time

Output Display

The result panel at the bottom of the editor shows execution output:

  • Normal output — displayed in the configured normal color

  • Error output — displayed in red for easy identification

  • System messages — displayed in a distinct color

  • Output line limit is configurable (default: 200,000 lines) to prevent memory issues

  • Clear results from the Run menu or via the console’s Clear button

Variable Inspector

The Variable Inspector provides runtime variable debugging in a table view:

Column

Description

Name

The variable name

Type

The Python type of the variable

Value

The current value (editable)

Features:

  • Live variable inspection during script execution

  • Filters out built-in variables (those starting with __)

  • Editable variable values with AST-based type conversion

  • Dynamic namespace updates

  • Sort and search capabilities