Node debugger stalls when using util.inspect

[benquarmby]

Debugging a Node program that uses util.inspect hangs the underlying node process.

I stumbled across this while working on an app that depends on the Azure Storage SDK for Node (it uses util.inspect). I don't have a workaround for debugging right now, but the app works fine when running directly from the command line.

I've created a repro of the problem here:
https://gist.github.com/benquarmby/36f6c00947ad04509212

Steps:

• Create a script that invokes util.inspect on an object
• Place a breakpoint in the script after the call util.inspect
• Start debugging
• Observe that the breakpoint is not hit

Environment:

• VSCode 0.10.6
• Windows 10 x64
• Node 5.5 x64

[weinand]

@benquarmby I could reproduce the same behaviour with node-inspector, so this is not a VS Code problem but a node problem, most likely a duplicate of nodejs/node#4917.

It does not occur with node version < 4.2.6

[benquarmby]

Right you are. I notice Node JS Tools for Visual Studio repros this bug also. Definitely a node problem and not VS Code specific.