What's the recommended way to write and run Kotlin...

# scripting

[Derek Peirce]

What's the recommended way to write and run Kotlin scripts with IntelliJ without building a full-blown project? It has "LightEdit" mode when opening a single script, but I can't even execute it without opening the file in a separate project. I'd like to be able to just write my script and execute it, like how easy it is to just write and execute a Python script with IDLE. The closest I've found is notebooks, but then I'm no longer actually creating a script file.

[Piotr Krzemiński]

It you create a kts file with a main function or a main.kts file, there should be a "▶️" button before the first line of the file to run it

[Derek Peirce]

I'm not seeing that option.

[andylamax]

even when you rename the file to main.kts?

[Derek Peirce]

Yes, same lack of Run button, and all options in the Run toolbar are disabled.

[andylamax]

try renaming it to something like "demo.main.kts" the trailing ".main.kts" is crucial!

[Derek Peirce]

Even as demo.main.kts, I can't run it in Light Edit mode.

[mikehearn]

Kotlin Scripting is probably just not compatible with light edit mode. Very little is, it's not been a priority of JetBrains to make it work.

[mikehearn]

Scripting in general has been low priority. Sort of chicken/egg scenario.

[Vladislav Koshkin]

@Derek Peirce hi, you can open kotlin script as file in intellij idea as is: no build system would be involved and highlighting, completion and running script should work.
(I used upcoming idea 26.2 for recording)

Untitled.mov

[Vladislav Koshkin]

but I've spotted some bugs on the way: for example, you have to choose jdk manually after the editor loaded
also this Script: . bothers me a little bit.
but I really would like to know your use-case so we can justify keeping this behaviour

[Vladislav Koshkin]

tell me if this helps

[mikehearn]

Well, the use case is as said - scripts are often worked on in lightweight text editors because they're single file, usually, so IDE features like project management, build tools, cross-file navigation etc aren't worth the cost.

[Vladislav Koshkin]

seems like it's covered already in 26.2

[mikehearn]

It's definitely much improved, thank you!

[Derek Peirce]

I've opened demo.main.kts in IntelliJ 2026.2, and still can't run the script. From your screenshot, you appear to be opening the script as its own project, rather than in LightEdit mode. How did you do that?

[Vladislav Koshkin]

I opened a new project and just select a script

[Derek Peirce]

I'm trying to execute a script without the overhead of a project.