How to Fix Dart DevTools Exited with Code 65 in VSCode?

If you've encountered the error 'Dart DevTools exited with code 65' while trying to enable Dart DevTools in Visual Studio Code, you're not alone. Many developers face this issue as they integrate Dart and Flutter into their development workflow. In this article, we'll explore the reasons behind this error and, more importantly, how to resolve it so you can get back to debugging your Flutter applications successfully. Understanding the Issue Dart DevTools is an essential suite of debugging tools for Dart and Flutter applications, but sometimes users encounter the 'exited with code 65' error. This issue generally arises due to configuration problems, outdated packages, or missing dependencies. Understanding these root causes can help you navigate your way to a solution effectively. Common Reasons for the Error Outdated Dart SDK: Dart DevTools relies on specific versions of the Dart SDK. If your SDK is out of date, errors can occur. Corrupted or Missing Packages: If essential packages are corrupted or missing, DevTools may fail to launch properly. Missing Dependencies: Sometimes, your project might lack necessary dependencies required by DevTools to function correctly. Step-by-Step Solution to Fix the Error To resolve the 'Dart DevTools exited with code 65', follow these detailed steps to ensure everything is correctly set up. Step 1: Update Dart SDK Make sure your Dart SDK is up to date. You can verify your SDK version by running the following command in your terminal: flutter --version If it shows an outdated version, you can update Flutter (which includes Dart SDK) with: flutter upgrade Step 2: Clean Your Project Cleaning your project can help remove any corrupted or stale dependencies that may be causing the issue. Run the following command: flutter clean After cleaning, reinstall your dependencies with: flutter pub get Step 3: Check for Missing Packages Open your pubspec.yaml file, and ensure that you have the necessary packages that support the functionality you’re aiming for in your app. If you're missing any dependencies, add them and run: flutter pub get Step 4: Launch DevTools from the Command Line In some cases, launching Dart DevTools directly from the terminal rather than from within VSCode can bypass the problem. You can do this by running: flutter pub global run devtools This command should start the DevTools server. Take note of the URL printed in the terminal and open it in your browser. Step 5: Reinstall Dart and Flutter If none of the above steps work, you may need to reinstall Dart and Flutter. First, remove them completely from your system: Delete the Flutter folder. Remove Dart from your system. Reinstall Flutter and Dart following the official Flutter installation guide. Step 6: Update VSCode Extensions Sometimes, the issue can be related to outdated extensions. Check for updates on your Dart and Flutter extensions in VSCode. To do this: Go to the Extensions view by clicking on the Extensions icon in the Activity Bar on the side of the window. Look for Dart and Flutter extensions and update them if necessary. Frequently Asked Questions What is Dart DevTools? Dart DevTools is a suite of performance and debugging tools for Dart and Flutter applications that provides essential insights to improve application quality. How do I access Dart DevTools? You can access Dart DevTools either from your IDE (like VSCode) or by running a command in the terminal to launch it directly. What does exit code 65 mean? Exit code 65 usually indicates that there was a problem with the Dart or Flutter environment, potentially due to configuration errors or version mismatches. Can I use Dart DevTools without Flutter? No, Dart DevTools is specifically designed to work with Flutter and Dart applications. Without these frameworks, its functionality is limited. Conclusion If you receive the 'Dart DevTools exited with code 65' error, don't fret; by following the steps outlined above, you can troubleshoot and usually resolve the problem. Keeping your Dart SDK updated, managing your dependencies, and regularly cleaning your project can prevent these types of issues in the future. Happy coding!

May 9, 2025 - 23:24

How to Fix Dart DevTools Exited with Code 65 in VSCode?

If you've encountered the error 'Dart DevTools exited with code 65' while trying to enable Dart DevTools in Visual Studio Code, you're not alone. Many developers face this issue as they integrate Dart and Flutter into their development workflow. In this article, we'll explore the reasons behind this error and, more importantly, how to resolve it so you can get back to debugging your Flutter applications successfully.

Understanding the Issue

Dart DevTools is an essential suite of debugging tools for Dart and Flutter applications, but sometimes users encounter the 'exited with code 65' error. This issue generally arises due to configuration problems, outdated packages, or missing dependencies. Understanding these root causes can help you navigate your way to a solution effectively.

Common Reasons for the Error

Outdated Dart SDK: Dart DevTools relies on specific versions of the Dart SDK. If your SDK is out of date, errors can occur.
Corrupted or Missing Packages: If essential packages are corrupted or missing, DevTools may fail to launch properly.
Missing Dependencies: Sometimes, your project might lack necessary dependencies required by DevTools to function correctly.

Step-by-Step Solution to Fix the Error

To resolve the 'Dart DevTools exited with code 65', follow these detailed steps to ensure everything is correctly set up.

Step 1: Update Dart SDK

Make sure your Dart SDK is up to date. You can verify your SDK version by running the following command in your terminal:

flutter --version

If it shows an outdated version, you can update Flutter (which includes Dart SDK) with:

flutter upgrade

Step 2: Clean Your Project

Cleaning your project can help remove any corrupted or stale dependencies that may be causing the issue. Run the following command:

flutter clean

After cleaning, reinstall your dependencies with:

flutter pub get

Step 3: Check for Missing Packages

Open your pubspec.yaml file, and ensure that you have the necessary packages that support the functionality you’re aiming for in your app. If you're missing any dependencies, add them and run:

flutter pub get

Step 4: Launch DevTools from the Command Line

In some cases, launching Dart DevTools directly from the terminal rather than from within VSCode can bypass the problem. You can do this by running:

flutter pub global run devtools

This command should start the DevTools server. Take note of the URL printed in the terminal and open it in your browser.

Step 5: Reinstall Dart and Flutter

If none of the above steps work, you may need to reinstall Dart and Flutter. First, remove them completely from your system:

Delete the Flutter folder.
Remove Dart from your system.
Reinstall Flutter and Dart following the official Flutter installation guide.

Step 6: Update VSCode Extensions

Sometimes, the issue can be related to outdated extensions. Check for updates on your Dart and Flutter extensions in VSCode. To do this:

Go to the Extensions view by clicking on the Extensions icon in the Activity Bar on the side of the window.
Look for Dart and Flutter extensions and update them if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dart DevTools?

Dart DevTools is a suite of performance and debugging tools for Dart and Flutter applications that provides essential insights to improve application quality.

How do I access Dart DevTools?

You can access Dart DevTools either from your IDE (like VSCode) or by running a command in the terminal to launch it directly.

What does exit code 65 mean?

Exit code 65 usually indicates that there was a problem with the Dart or Flutter environment, potentially due to configuration errors or version mismatches.

Can I use Dart DevTools without Flutter?

No, Dart DevTools is specifically designed to work with Flutter and Dart applications. Without these frameworks, its functionality is limited.

Conclusion

If you receive the 'Dart DevTools exited with code 65' error, don't fret; by following the steps outlined above, you can troubleshoot and usually resolve the problem. Keeping your Dart SDK updated, managing your dependencies, and regularly cleaning your project can prevent these types of issues in the future. Happy coding!