Server Debug Action
You can start the server by using the debug action. However, there is a difference between the start and the debug action. When Designer updates the state of the server after executing the debug action, it opens a socket connection to the JPDA port. This allows for debugging the source code, which is not possible when you use the start action.
Note: If you launch the server outside of Designer, make sure that you launch it in debug mode. Otherwise, Designer will not be able to connect to the server because the JPDA port will be closed. To check the state of the server, use an OS utility and verify that the JPDA port is in LISTEN mode.