Import Checkstyle Project

If no project is currently open in IntelliJ IDEA, click Import Project on the Welcome screen. Otherwise, select File > Import Project

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Then Next > Next > ... Until Finish.

Debug

Open the Check's source file by double click on it in a source tree as is shown:

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Debug the Check by putting the breakpoint at controversial place (double-click) on the left part of line number as it is shown:

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Then right-click the corresponding Unit-test file or class definition > Debug "testName"

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Then manage you debug operations F8 (Step Over), Shift+F8 (Step Out), F7 (Step Into), Alt+F9 (Run to Cursor)