Run configuration randomly changes to pdflatex

[BorisHollas]

I have organized all of my latex-files in a Latex-Project. They all have their own run configuration. One of these files can't be compiled with pdflatex, so I use latexmk -pdfps. Every now and then, IntelliJ or TeXiFy changes the run configuration back to pdflatex. Why does this happen and how can I prevent this?

[PHPirates]

That is weird, you haven't noticed any pattern? For example, that it changes back after a restart, or when running it?
Well, I have no idea why it happens, otherwise I would have fixed it already :)

One thing you could do, is open your .idea/workspace.xml, search for the run configuration name, and check if the <compiler> field is correct. This is only changed when saving a run configuration, so it might be a bit easier to find out what is causing it to change back.

[Edit] For reference, I copied my comment:

As I said, temporary run configurations will be thrown out after new (temporary) run configurations are made, on a FIFO basis.
https://www.jetbrains.com/help/idea/run-debug-configuration.html
I can also recommend reading about run configuration templates: https://github.com/Hannah-Sten/TeXiFy-IDEA/wiki/Run-configurations#template-run-configurations

[BorisHollas]

Does .idea exist on Windows 10? I don't see it.

[PHPirates]

I mean the .idea directory in your project directory. Yes, it exists regardless of whether Windows tries to hide it from you because it thinks it's smart. You can also find it in IntelliJ Project tool window if you select Project instead of Project Files as scope, or double-shift and search for workspace.xml.

[BorisHollas]

The settings are
<compiler>LATEXMK</compiler> <compiler-path /> <sumatra-path /> <pdf-viewer>BUILT-IN-PDF-VIEWER</pdf-viewer> <viewer-command /> <compiler-arguments>-pdfps</compiler-arguments>
which are correct.

[PHPirates]

Yes, so the run configuration UI should also show Latexmk. Now, by watching this file you can try to figure out what is causing it to switch back to pdflatex.

[BorisHollas]

Today, the problem happened again.

Before starting Intellij IDEA, I opened .idea/workspace.xml and noticed that the run configaration for the file in question is missing. Consequentely, there was also no entry in the Rund/Debug configurations dialog in the upper right part of the window and the build failedas the default pdflatex was used.

So, somehow IntelliJ removed the run configuration. Is it possible that there is a maximum number of entries and older ones are just deleted?

[PHPirates]

That means that all run configurations created by the user are temporary because the user can change them.

No, for two reasons:

1. If the user can change the run configuration, it does not mean it has already been changed.
2. I think a run configuration created manually, so not from context, is never temporary.

If you want more information, I hope there is IntelliJ documentation.

I created a run configuration for a latex file and set the compiler to latexmk. This worked for a while, then it was deleted. Is this a bug

Yes, that would be a bug. I can check next week to try and reproduce the issue, but if I just know 'it disappears after a while' this could be difficult, as you can imagine.

So this reproduces the issue for you?

0. Create a project
1. Run a tex file using the gutter icon
2. change compiler to latexmk
3. Don't open the project for a week
4. Open the project, run config is gone?

[BorisHollas]

I haven't found a way to reproduce the problem. I don't think it can be reproduced by waiting for a week.

I have organized my latex files in 3 packages with around 10 files each. I noticed however that in the Run/Debug Configurations dialogue only 6 configurations are stored. The same is true for .idea/workspace.xml. However, I have created and compiled more than 6 latex files.

Is it possible that IntelliJ or Texify impose a limit on the number of run configurations within a project and older ones are discarded when newer files are compiled?

[PHPirates]

Yes, absolutely, As I said, temporary run configurations will be thrown out after new (temporary) run configurations are made, on a FIFO basis.
https://www.jetbrains.com/help/idea/run-debug-configuration.html

[BorisHollas]

Thank you for that link. The most likely explanation is that my temporary run configuration was removed because I created new files in between. Now I've saved my run configuration to make it permanent and expect the problem to be solved.

[PHPirates]

Yes, then at least it won't disappear anymore.
I can also recommend reading about run configuration templates: https://github.com/Hannah-Sten/TeXiFy-IDEA/wiki/Run-configurations#template-run-configurations