RubyMine Debugger Not Working / Not Attaching
Quick answer
RubyMine uses debase and ruby-debug-ide (or the debug gem on MRI 2.6+). Missing build tools or byebug can break it.
Most likely fix: Install the debugger gems
How to fix it
Try these in order — the most common fix is first.
1. Install the debugger gems
- Accept the prompt to install debase and ruby-debug-ide on first debug
- Install build tools: Command Line Tools (macOS), build-essential (Linux), Ruby+DevKit (Windows)
Did this fix it?2. Remove interference
- Third-party gems such as byebug can affect the debugger; remove them while debugging
Did this fix it?3. Debug gem
- Apps using the debug gem need Ruby MRI 2.6 or later
Did this fix it?
Symptoms
Debug session fails to start, gems fail to install, or debugging is slow.
Why it happens
- debase / ruby-debug-ide not installed
- Missing system libraries to compile gems
- byebug or similar gems interfere
- Older Ruby or JRuby limits
This guide also covers
- rubymine debugger not working
- rubymine debase ruby-debug-ide
- rubymine debug not attaching
Still not working?
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