Currently setting up debugging is not an easy task for new users. Due to that we decided to create this issue where we can discuss how to make it easier for users to start debugging / running their programs.

A first proposal:

1. Replace the debug icon in the activity bar to be the play icon. This should make it easier for users to discover that they can also run their program via the debug flow. It can be either a simple play icon, or a play icon that would somehow show that you can also debug (e.g. small "bug" sitting in the corner of the play icon).
2. CallStack, Variables and Watch Expression view do not really have much value while a user is not debugging. Due to that we will only show them while the user is debugging and we get extra space which we can use for rendering a wizard-like UI, e.g. buttons like the one in the explorer:
   
   

These "buttons" could cover these use cases:

• Run Current File (or Run Active File)
• Debug Current File (or Debug Active File)
• Configure
• Install Additional Debuggers (maybe not needed)

While showing the button UI we would not show the launch config drop down and the gear icon (because this duplication would be confusing).

fyi @chrisdias @misolori @fiveisprime