# MPS 2026.2 Early Access Program Launched

Significant improvements in test reporting and editing experience.

- **Source:** [The JetBrains Blog](https://brifing.si/source/782eebd1-7be8-49cc-b27c-e552516691b2)
- **Published:** 2026-09-02
- **Topic:** [Software & Engineering](https://brifing.si/c/engineering)
- **Original article:** <https://blog.jetbrains.com/mps/2026/09/the-mps-2026-2-eap-has-started-2-2/>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/3f699a77-163d-457b-9dfb-2aea30080aac

## Key Features of MPS 2026.2 EAP1

MPS 2026.2 EAP1 introduces significant improvements in test reporting. Grouping features have been enhanced, and the editing experience is now smoother. This release makes multi-node selection more predictable and aligns MPS startup configuration more closely with the IntelliJ Platform. These changes ensure a more seamless experience for users.

## Flexible Result Matching in Editor Tests

A new feature allows flexible result matching in editor tests when exact matches are not required. You can now specify which differences to ignore using node-matching rules and per-node markers. This results in less brittle tests and fewer false failures, improving overall test reliability.

## More Informative Test Failure Messages

Editor test failures now provide detailed information about the problematic node and cell. Each node mentioned in a failure message is rendered with its presentation, concept name, and node ID. This makes it easier to locate issues without reproducing the failure in the debugger, speeding up the debugging process.

## Virtual Package Grouping in Find Usages Results

Find Usages results now support grouping by virtual package. This feature makes it easier to locate root nodes in large models with many virtual folders. Virtual package names, such as com.example.ui, expand into tree levels, mirroring the project structure and improving navigation.

## Easier Selection of Node Lists

Selecting lists of nodes in the MPS editor is now easier with the Select Up (Ctrl+Up) feature. This recognizes lists as meaningful editing units, making operations like copying and pasting groups of statements faster and more reliable. Repeated Select Up actions provide a consistent selection path.

## Startup Configuration Aligned with IntelliJ Platform

MPS 2026.2 aligns its startup configuration more closely with the IntelliJ Platform. The platform-provided boot classpath is separated from the MPS-specific extension classpath. This reduces manual maintenance for platform updates and ensures a cleaner integration process.

## Improved Platform Access Options

MPS 2026.2 applies platform access options more precisely. Shared --add-opens options are derived from platform metadata, while OS-specific packages are added only to the corresponding OS launcher. This ensures consistent launch configurations across macOS, Linux, and Windows.

## The Significance of MPS 2026.2

MPS 2026.2 EAP1 offers a more robust and flexible platform for software developers. Improvements in test reporting, editing experience, and startup configuration enhance productivity. This release simplifies debugging and maintenance processes, particularly in large projects.

## Sources covering this story

- https://blog.jetbrains.com/mps/2026/09/the-mps-2026-2-eap-has-started-2-2/ — 

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._
