How do I debug PHP code (xdebug, var_dump, dd)?

Debugging PHP code effectively can save time and lead to cleaner, more efficient code. Here are some popular methods for debugging PHP:

Xdebug

Xdebug is a powerful tool for debugging PHP applications. It can provide stack traces, variable dumps, and debugging capabilities through a web-based interface.

var_dump()

The var_dump() function is a simple way to inspect variables. It displays the type and value of a variable, including arrays and objects.

dd()

In Laravel, you can use dd() (dump and die) to instantly output the contents of a variable and stop execution. This is particularly useful for quickly inspecting variable states.

Example Usage

<?php // Example of using var_dump $array = array("name" => "John", "age" => 30); var_dump($array); // Example of using dd in Laravel // dd($array); ?>

Debugging PHP Xdebug var_dump dd Laravel debugging PHP error handling