Define custom "toString()" in variables view

[mojo2012]

Eclipse has a functioality to setup a custom "toString" method (called "Detail Formatter") on each type in the variables view. This is handy when you have objects that don't come with a nice toSring method. It allows you to directly show the useful information.
Example details formatter: getName() + ": " + getBirthDate()

Environment

• Operating System: macOS 10.12.6 (16G1212)
• JDK version: 1.8.0_144-b01
• Visual Studio Code version: 1.20.0 (1.20.0)
• Java extension version: 0.18.1
• Java Debugger extension version:0.6.0

[akaroml]

@mojo2012 thank you for reporting this issue. Now the debugger supports expression evaluation. So if you type the body of the formatter in Watch panel, it will evaluate. Can it address the issue?

[mojo2012]

That's not the same actually. The "detail formatter" feature is persistent across debug sessions. The expression view can be deleted at any point, losing the "body". Futhermore it would kinda "duplicate" the variable.

[riccardodebenedictis]

something like this would be amazing: natvis

[github-actions]

Hi @mojo2012, 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.

Current Status

VS Code Java debug currently does not support per-type custom detail formatters like Eclipse’s Detail Formatter. There’s no built-in way to define custom expressions (e.g. getName() + ": " + getBirthDate()) for specific classes in the Variables view.

Workarounds & Related Settings

• You can enable/disable showing the default toString() output for all objects via the `

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!