Ethereum: Remix IDE Freezes on Contract Call Errors
As more developers switch to Ethereum and use its popular development environment, Remix IDE, a number of users have reported an issue where the IDE freezes when attempting to call contract functions that return errors. This problem can be frustrating, especially for those who are still learning the intricacies of smart contracts.
What’s happening:
When a contract function calls another function, it can sometimes throw an error. In some cases, this error is not recoverable by the caller, and the IDE freezes in response to attempting to execute such functions. The freezing occurs because Remix IDE uses a technique called “event handling” which allows for asynchronous execution of code. However, when faced with unhandled errors (like contract call errors), the IDE freezes as it attempts to handle these unexpected events.
The impact:
This problem can lead to significant delays in development and debugging time, making it difficult to identify and fix issues in smart contracts. Developers often rely on Remix IDE’s built-in debugging features, which can be disrupted by freezing behavior. Furthermore, incorrect error messages can cause confusion and frustration when trying to resolve the issue.
The solution:
Fortunately, there is a known workaround for this problem. To disable event handling when executing contract functions that return errors, users can add the following code snippet to their Remix configuration file (usually remix.json):
{
"event": {
"call": {
"enabled": false,
"errorHandling": true
}
},
// ... other configurations ...
}
By disabling event handling when executing contract functions that return errors, developers can avoid the freezing behavior and continue working on their smart contracts. Additionally, this fix allows error messages to be displayed correctly, making it easier for developers to troubleshoot issues.
Bottom line:
While Remix IDE’s freezing issue with contract call errors is an annoyance for some users, a simple configuration change can solve the problem. By understanding how event handling works and disabling it when necessary, developers can ensure smoother development experiences and reduce frustration caused by this limitation.