Early adopters of the Actionate plugin for JetBrains IDEs have uncovered several significant issues affecting its usability, particularly when handling large log files and displaying pipeline step logs. These findings come as the community begins to explore this new tool designed to integrate GitHub Actions directly into JetBrains IDEs.
Current Issues:
- Crashes when handling logs ~67,000 lines
- Pipeline step log misalignment after
usesblocks - Incorrect ANSI color code rendering
- Missing log search functionality
- Scroll bar implementation issues
- Settings persistence warnings (false positive)
Log Size Handling Issues
Users have discovered that the plugin struggles significantly with large log files. When attempting to expand pipeline logs containing approximately 67,000 lines, the extension crashes completely, forcing users to reload the application. More problematically, this reload clears all previously set branch and user filters, disrupting the workflow and requiring users to reconfigure their preferences.
Pipeline Step Log Display Bugs
A more technical issue has emerged regarding the incorrect grouping and display of pipeline step logs. Users have identified that after certain steps involving the uses block in GitHub Actions, subsequent log entries become misaligned, appearing under incorrect steps. This indexing problem creates a domino effect where logs cascade into the wrong sections, making it difficult to track workflow progress accurately.
ANSI Color Code Rendering Problems
The plugin currently fails to properly render ANSI color codes and symbols in logs. For example:
The pipeline logs don't correctly handle symbols and color codes... logs appear as:
[39m YN0000: Successfully set npmRegistries[<REDACTED>] to [90mundefined
Search Functionality Gaps
A critical missing feature highlighted by users is the absence of log search functionality and proper scroll bar implementation. This limitation makes it particularly challenging to locate specific information within large log files, such as test failure messages buried deep within thousands of lines of output.
The development team has acknowledged these issues and announced plans for immediate improvements, including implementing graceful handling of extremely long logs, adding log search capabilities, and enhancing log formatting with proper ANSI color code support. These improvements are slated for upcoming releases, along with additional features such as managing Actions Environments, Variables, and Secrets directly from the IDE.
Despite these early challenges, users have praised the plugin's quick setup process, with many reporting successful installation and initial configuration in under 30 seconds. The development team's responsive approach to user feedback and transparent communication about upcoming fixes has helped maintain community confidence in the tool's potential.
Reference: Actionate: GitHub Actions for JetBrains IDEs