By default, it doesn't run in debug mode. You have to export your debug properties in LENS_OPTS before starting the server. Then It'll open a debug port on which you can connect.
I generally do this: pwd = /path/to/lens/lens-dist/target/*bin/*bin/server export LENS_OPTS=-agentlib:jdwp=transport=dt_socket,server=y,suspend=n,address=5005 bin/lens-ctl restart and connect by the IDE I use. Attaching a screenshot from Intellij Idea for reference. [image: Screen Shot 2016-02-26 at 9.45.50 PM.png] Hope it's helpful.
