#JetBrains extension can't start: "Failed to find Node.js executable"

3 messages · Page 1 of 1 (latest)

frosty glacier
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I've tried KiloCode in VS Codium, and now it's time to install it in all my "real" IDEs - starting with PyCharm Community Edition (the latest version).

However, right away, the extension does not start (screenshot attached). There's also an error message:

java.lang.Throwable: Failed to find Node.js executable

I do have Node installed - the most standard recommended way, with npx, it's in my $PATH. I don't mind having to give it a few swift kicks in the right place, but what should I do? I mean, I could specify the path manually, but since the extension is not starting, there's no way to open its settings and specify the path there?

BTW, should I also open an issue on Github?

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Oh, I see a lot of Github issues on this topic already... 😸

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Suggested solutions:

  • Make node available system-wide
sudo ln -s "$(which node)" /usr/local/bin/node

Come on, this is not a good idea!

  • Make node available specifically for KiloCode
cd ~/.local/share/JetBrains/PyCharmCE2025.2/Kilo\ Code/node_modules/.bin
ln -s "$(which node)"

Now this is a good idea. This helped! Let's just hope updates won't overwrite this.