Main Method Not found

[trivial-zero]

The run/debug button on the editor does not respect the launch.json file. I have a particular project which the main class is actually in separate jar file. After configuring the runtime classpath and mainClass in the launch.json, I am able to run it fine using the command debug: start without debugging. However, the run/debug button complains that the main method is not found.

Environment

• Operating System: macOS 12.6
• JDK version: JDK 1.8
• Visual Studio Code version: 1.7.1.2
• Java extension version: RedHat 1.11.0
• Java Debugger extension version: 0.44.0

Steps To Reproduce

1. Create a jar file with a main function
2. Add it to your classpath and configure the name of the main class
3. A project that implements the missing functions in that jar file
4. Click the run button

(Can not attach the project)

Current Result

Main method not found

Expected Result

This button should respect to my launch.json file

Additional Informations

[testforstephen]

In current behavior, the run/debug button on editor bar is supposed to context aware. It will try to resolve main method from current active file. If it doesn't exist, then search one from workspace.

I would mark this as a feature request. We should consider the main class from launch.json as well.

[github-actions]

Hi @trivial-zero, I'm an AI Support assistant here to help with your issue. While the team reviews your request, I wanted to provide some possible tips and documentation that might help you in the meantime.

The inline Run ⁄ Debug code lens in the editor doesn’t pick up your custom launch.json — it always uses the built-in “Current File” template. To work around this, you must start your configured launch.json entry from the Run and Debug view (or via F5), not via the Run button above the class.

• Use the Run and Debug sidebar: select your launch.json entry and click the green ▶ / 🐞 icon or press F5.
• Alternatively run “Debug: Start Without Debugging” (⇧⌘D → ▶️) after choosing your configuration.

High-confidence references:

• Improve the UX … fallback if no main (similar UX limitation)
– #655
• main method is not found in class (generic placeholder issue)
– #1507

Other references with low confidence

• Last Update Issue: Does not recognize Main (macOS, JDK10; main not found + String unrecognized)
– redhat-developer/vscode-java#738

The team will respond to your issue shortly. I hope these suggestions are helpful in the meantime. If this comment helped you, please give it a 👍. If the suggestion was not helpful or incorrect, please give it a 👎. Your feedback helps us improve!