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!