Python Debug Variables

A powerful VS Code extension for inspecting Python variables during debugging sessions with an intuitive sidebar interface.

Features

🔍 Real-time Variable Inspector

• Displays all user-defined variables in a clean, organized table view
• Shows variable name, type, shape (for arrays/lists), and value preview
• Automatically updates when execution stops at breakpoints or after REPL commands

📊 Smart Filtering

• Filters out internal Python variables (those starting with _ or __)
• Excludes functions, modules, classes, and methods
• Shows only data variables relevant to your debugging workflow

⚡ Automatic Updates

• Auto-refreshes variable list when:
  • Program hits a breakpoint
  • Stepping through code (step over, step into, step out)
  • Executing commands in the Debug Console

📋 Comprehensive Variable Information

• Variable Name: Alphabetically sorted for easy lookup
• Type: Python type (int, str, list, numpy.ndarray, etc.)
• Shape: Dimensions for arrays/lists (e.g., 2 x 3 for numpy arrays)
• Value: Preview of the variable's content (truncated for long values)

Usage

1. Open the Variables Inspector

   • Click the $(symbol-variable) icon in the Activity Bar to open the "Python Variables" sidebar

2. Start a Python Debug Session

   • Set breakpoints in your Python code
   • Start debugging (F5)

3. View Variables

   • When execution stops at a breakpoint, variables are automatically displayed
   • Click the "Variables" button in the sidebar panel to manually refresh
   • Execute commands in the Debug Console - variables update automatically

Requirements

• Visual Studio Code v1.106.1 or higher
• Python extension for VS Code (for debugging support)
• Active Python debug session

Extension Settings

This extension does not add any additional VS Code settings. It works out of the box once installed.

Known Issues

• Variables are only displayed when the debugger is paused (at breakpoints or after stepping)
• Very large data structures may have their values truncated in the preview

Release Notes

0.0.1

Initial release of Python Debug Variables extension:

• Variable inspector sidebar panel
• Automatic variable updates on breakpoint stops
• Automatic updates after Debug Console commands
• Filtered display of user-defined variables
• Support for shape/dimension information

Contributing

Found a bug or have a feature request? Please open an issue on our GitHub repository.

Enjoy debugging with better visibility! 🐍