Update IntelliJ and Plugins

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 23 views

Introduction

As a developer, working with large and complex projects can be challenging, especially when it comes to managing dependencies and libraries. IntelliJ, a popular Integrated Development Environment (IDE), is known for its robust features and capabilities. However, some users have reported experiencing periodic freezes when running certain tasks, such as mix compile in Elixir projects. In this article, we will delve into the issue of IntelliJ freezing with the "Syncing libraries..." message and explore possible solutions.

Describe the Bug

The bug in question is characterized by the following symptoms:

The IDE freezes for approximately 20 minutes when running mix compile or mix dialyzer.
The console becomes unresponsive, and the IDE is unable to handle clicks or settings.
The message "Syncing libraries in apps/_build/test/consolidated" or "Syncing libraries in apps/_build/dev/consolidated" appears on the screen.

The cause of this issue is unclear, and it may be related to the plugin, the IDE itself, or the project configuration. However, it has been occurring for the past couple of years and is a significant inconvenience for users.

To Reproduce

The issue seems to occur randomly when running mix compile or mix dialyzer. To reproduce the bug, follow these steps:

Open your Elixir project in IntelliJ.
Run mix compile or mix dialyzer from the terminal or the IDE.
Observe the IDE's behavior and wait for the freeze to occur.

Expected Behavior

The expected behavior is that the IDE should not freeze and should be able to handle tasks while the sync is in progress. Ideally, the IDE should provide a progress indicator or a notification system to inform the user about the sync process.

Screenshots

The following screenshots illustrate the issue:

Logs

Thread dumps are available at the following link:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yTNOu0VeNizK8Dc84sj25pHcO_CKSIAo/view?usp=sharing

Desktop

The following information is relevant to the issue:

OS: MacOs
Version: Sonoma 14.6.1
Macbook Pro: M1 Max

Erlang

The following information is relevant to the issue:

Installer: asdf
Version: 27

Elixir

The following information is relevant to the issue:

Installer: asdf
Version: 1.17.2

Plugin

The following information is relevant to the issue:

Version: 17.0.0

Additional Context

Any additional context about the problem can be added here.

Possible Solutions

Based on the available information, the following possible solutions can be explored:

1. Update IntelliJ and Plugins

Ensure that IntelliJ and all plugins are up-to-date, as newer versions may resolve the issue.

2. Disable Plugins

Disable all plugins and re-enable them one by one to identify the problematic plugin.

3. Reconfigure Project Settings

Reconfigure project settings to see if the issue is related to the project configuration.

4. Increase Heap Size

Increase the heap size to see if the issue is related to memory constraints.

5. Use a Different IDE

Consider using a different IDE to see if the issue is specific to IntelliJ.

6. Contact Support

Contact IntelliJ support for further assistance and guidance.

Conclusion

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the issue of IntelliJ freezing with the "Syncing libraries..." message when running certain tasks, such as mix compile in Elixir projects. In this article, we will address some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to this issue.

Q: What causes the "Syncing libraries..." message?

A: The cause of the "Syncing libraries..." message is unclear, and it may be related to the plugin, the IDE itself, or the project configuration. However, it has been occurring for the past couple of years and is a significant inconvenience for users.

Q: Why does the IDE freeze for 20 minutes?

A: The IDE freezes for approximately 20 minutes because it is waiting for the sync process to complete. This can be due to various reasons, such as slow network connections, large project sizes, or resource-intensive tasks.

Q: Can I disable the sync process?

A: Unfortunately, it is not possible to disable the sync process entirely. However, you can try disabling the plugin or reconfiguring project settings to see if the issue is related to the plugin or project configuration.

Q: How can I increase the performance of the IDE?

A: To increase the performance of the IDE, you can try the following:

Increase the heap size to see if the issue is related to memory constraints.
Disable unnecessary plugins and re-enable them one by one to identify the problematic plugin.
Reconfigure project settings to see if the issue is related to the project configuration.
Use a different IDE to see if the issue is specific to IntelliJ.

Q: Can I get a refund or compensation for the inconvenience caused?

A: Unfortunately, it is not possible to get a refund or compensation for the inconvenience caused. However, you can contact IntelliJ support for further assistance and guidance.

Q: How can I prevent the issue from occurring in the future?

A: To prevent the issue from occurring in the future, you can try the following:

Regularly update IntelliJ and plugins to ensure you have the latest features and bug fixes.
Disable unnecessary plugins and re-enable them one by one to identify the problematic plugin.
Reconfigure project settings to see if the issue is related to the project configuration.
Use a different IDE to see if the issue is specific to IntelliJ.

Q: Can I get a refund for the plugin?

A: Unfortunately, it is not possible to get a refund for the plugin. However, you can contact the plugin developer for further assistance and guidance.

Q: How can I contact IntelliJ support?

A: To contact IntelliJ support, you can follow these steps:

Go to the IntelliJ website and click on the "Support" tab.
Click on the "Contact Support" button.
Fill out the support form with your issue and contact information.
Submit the form and wait for a response from the support team.

Conclusion

The issue of IntelliJ freezing with the "Syncing libraries..." message is a complex problem that requires further investigation. By addressing some frequently asked questions, we hope to provide users with a better understanding of the issue and possible solutions. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.