Feature Request: Option to disable debugging for specific threads

[Qasemt]

Feature Request: Option to disable debugging for specific threads

Description

Currently, debugpy does not provide an option to disable debugging for specific threads. This becomes challenging in multi-threaded applications where certain threads need to run without interruptions caused by breakpoints or debugging overhead.

Proposed Solution

Introduce an API or configuration option (e.g., disable_debug_for_thread(thread_id) or a similar mechanism) to exclude specific threads from being debugged.

Use Case

In a multi-threaded application, developers might want to focus debugging only on specific threads while allowing others to execute uninterrupted. This feature would improve debugging efficiency in complex scenarios.

Additional Notes

• A similar feature exists in some other debugging tools, and it greatly enhances usability in multi-threaded applications.
• If possible, allow thread-specific logging as an additional option.

 
import threading
import sys

def thread_function():
    # Simulate disabling debugging for this thread
    sys.settrace(None)  # This disables debugging for the current thread

    # Simulate work
    for i in range(5):
        print(f"Thread running iteration {i}")
        import time
        time.sleep(1)

[eleanorjboyd]

Hi! This would be required on the debugpy level and not something we can just implement on the surface, sending it there. Thanks!

[rchiodo]

I think this might be possible, but it can get very complicated. See this issue here for some of why:
#1475

[rchiodo]

Converting to a discussion item for up votes