Breakpoints are crossed out, how can I make them valid?

Reasons behind the breakdown

Confronted with stubborn breakpoints that don't wish to cooperate? Here's how you might whip them back into shape:

Intentional skips?

The "Skip All Breakpoints" command might be enabled. A rogue click or a misplaced shortcut stroke (Ctrl + Alt + B in several IDEs) can provoke this. Ensure to switch it off to breathe life back into your breakpoints.

// The next line might be your current situation; uncomment to fix.
// toggleSkipAllBreakpoints(false);
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Lost in translation?

There should be a match between source code and compiled bytecode. Out of sync instructions won't play nice with breakpoints. Code source and binaries should go hand in hand, like bread and butter.

// If this was a music band, it'd be a case of "Source Code & The Binaries".
// Imagine the fun requests at gigs: "Please play the line 35 in F# again, but syncopated!"
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Config confusion?

Within your Run configuration, there's an option to disable all breakpoints. Like a stealthy ninja, it might have been enabled without you even noticing. Turn this option off.

// It's like finding out the refrigerator has been unplugged all along.
// Your breakpoints were just waiting for their moment to shine (or break!).
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Digital hiccups?

Sometimes the issue lies within the IDE itself. A little refresh can do wonders. Consider restarting the IDE or invalidating its cache (File > Invalidate Caches / Restart in IntelliJ).

// If all else fails, turn it off and on again. World's most effective debug technique. 🤭
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Version variance?

Ensure you’re using the corresponding versions of your tools. IDE, Maven, and JDK should all be on the same wavelength. Version disparities can lead to naughty, unexpected behaviors such as disobedient breakpoints.

// Because sometimes even software has compatibility issues. It's not you, it's the version.
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Debugging duality?

Another debugger might be infringing on your territory. Ensure that no other debugger is attached to the JVM process in question. Somewhat like an overzealous backseat driver, they might be disrupting your breakpoints' road trip.

// If other debugger is found, remember to politely ask them to get off your JVM lawn.
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Additional Debug Troubleshooting

Aligning source and binaries

Always ensure that your source code is in sync with the compiled output. Any deviation might lead the IDE to fail in tracing back operations correctly.

Keep a watch on IDE settings

Occasionally check your debug tool and auditing settings. A minor slip-up here might disable breakpoints without your knowledge.

Check run configurations

See if the "Skip All Breakpoints" option in the Run configurations has been accidentally enabled. This might be the secret saboteur causing your breakpoints to be ignored.

Refresh debug artifacts

Try to remove all breakpoints and re-add the necessary ones. This can help refresh any corrupt information tied to existing breakpoints.

Debug Debugger

Revisit debug configurations

Go over your IDE’s debug settings, ensuring nothing there is meddling with breakpoint mechanisms.

Address potential conflicts

Look out for other instances or tools (like VisualVM) interfering with your JVM process which may cause breakpoints to be disable.

It's all about compatibility

Make sure your dev environment (including STS, Maven, JDK) is on the same page compatibility-wise. Misaligned versions outwit developers, landing them in all sorts of quirky situations, such as disregarding breakpoints.