Not working in Google Colab

[qubit55]

Hello,

I'm trying to set up the Basilisp kernel in Google Colab but ran into an issue.

The kernel installs fine via !pip install basilisp-kernel, appears in the list of runtime types, and even starts up without any errors. However, the code cells still accept and execute Python code, which is really bizarre.

I checked the code, and from what I understand, the backend executes Basilisp by running it within a Python interpreter using the Basilisp compiler and runtime libraries. If that's the case, could this be the reason why the issue is happening?

[ikappaki]

Hi @qubit55,

it took me a while to figure this out.

I think Google Colab does not officially support switching to kernels other than those it provides.

However, you can install the Basilisp kernel and switch to it via File > Change runtime type > Runtime type > Basilisp as you suggested.

Before doings so though, you must disable Colab's control over the Basilisp kernel by renaming or removing the IPython config file which overtakes it:

%%sh
pip install basilisp_kernel
mv /etc/ipython/ipython_config.py /etc/ipython/ipython_config.py.dis

After switching the runtime, referesh the page.

You should now be able to run Basilisp code in Collab cells:

I hope this helps!

[qubit55]

Hello, wow, that's awesome, it works thanks a lot!
https://github.com/qubit55/basi-test/blob/main/basi_test.ipynb

I think Google Colab does not officially support switching to kernels other than those it provides.

Yep, it doesn't but it's possible to install other kernels as I've done with Clojure by writing this setup script (a pretty involved installation in comparison to your basilisp kernel). https://github.com/qubit55/clojupyter_colab_setup/blob/main/install_clojure_kernel.sh

[qubit55]

I wonder how to make syntax highlighting work as well. Clojupyter has a similar problem. I've briefly looked into it but couldn't find any immediate solution.