Camel K is providing a new feature to Java debug deployed integrations. Before VS Code Tooling for Apache Camel K 0.0.25, more complex steps were required to leverage the VS Code Java debugging capabilities as explained in this previous blogpost.

I recorded a video which is following the steps in this blogpost.

Requirements

VS Code Extension Pack for Apache Camel with VS Code Tooling for Apache Camel K 0.0.25+
Camel K deployed to a cluster. In this demo, we will use a Camel K instance deployed on minikube.

How to java debug

Create an Integration written in Java

Open command palette View -> Command Palette…
Select Create a new Apache Camel K integration
Select Java
Select the folder
Provide a name, for instance: Demo

Create java file

Set a breakpoint

To have a breakpoint during the execution of the Camel Route, as opposite at the creation of the Camel Route, you need to add a small piece of code. This is a classical trick for Java debugging of Camel Routes, not specific to Camel K.

The trick consists of adding a Processor between the steps you want to observe. It will be something like:

	  .process(new Processor(){
		  @Override
		  public void process(Exchange exchange) throws Exception {
			  System.out.println("can be breakpoint on this line");
		  }
	  })

Then, you can add a breakpoint to the line by clicking in the left ruler. A red dot will appear.

Provide breakpoint inside a Processor

Start integration

You can then start the integration:

Ensure the editor is still opened on the Java Integration file
Open command palette View -> Command Palette…
Select Start Apache Camel K Integration
Select Basic
Check in the Apache Camel K Integrations view that the example is deployed successfully. it will have a green dot. It can take few minutes for the first deployment.

Start integration in basic mode

Note: If starting in –dev, it will allow to automatically reload the Integration. But take care, debugger will need to be restarted on each change. Meaning that the next two steps will need to be repeated.

Debug

In Integrations view, wait that the integration is running, then right-click on the integration and select Start Java debugger on Camel K Integration.

Debug Integration

Enjoy

Now, it is time to enjoy. You can notice that you have access to the message content. It is providing a good insight into what is going on in the Camel Route.

What’s next?

There is room for improvements, provide your feedback and ideas!

You can start discussions on Zulip camel-tooling channel.

You can create and vote for issues on GitHub VS Code Tooling support for Apache Camel K repository.

You can create and vote for issues on the related epic in Jira which is used by the Red Hat Integration tooling team.