How do I set up a debugger with breakpoints in Neovim?

Explanation

The nvim-dap plugin implements the Debug Adapter Protocol in Neovim, providing a full debugging experience with breakpoints, step-through execution, variable inspection, and REPL — all without leaving your editor.

How it works

• require'dap'.toggle_breakpoint() — set/remove a breakpoint on the current line
• require'dap'.continue() — start or continue debugging
• require'dap'.step_over() — step over the current line
• require'dap'.step_into() — step into a function call
• require'dap'.repl.open() — open the debug REPL

Example

" Recommended keybindings
nnoremap <F5> :lua require'dap'.continue()<CR>
nnoremap <F10> :lua require'dap'.step_over()<CR>
nnoremap <F11> :lua require'dap'.step_into()<CR>
nnoremap <leader>b :lua require'dap'.toggle_breakpoint()<CR>

Debugging workflow:
1. Set breakpoint on line 42: <leader>b
2. Start debugging: <F5>
3. Program stops at breakpoint
4. Inspect variables, step through code
5. Continue or step: <F5> or <F10>

Tips

• Install nvim-dap-ui for a VS Code-like debug panel layout
• Use dap-python, dap-go, etc. for language-specific configurations
• Conditional breakpoints: require'dap'.set_breakpoint(vim.fn.input('Condition: '))
• Log points: breakpoints that print a message without stopping