How do I enable WordPress debug mode?

Enabling the WordPress Debug Mode is essential to solve errors and problems on your website. Debugging helps you to detect and resolve errors in theme features, plug-ins and custom code. In this manual you will learn how to activate and optimally use WordPress debug mode.

What is the WordPress Debug mode?

The Debug Mode in WordPress is a built-in feature that makes error messages and warnings visible. This is useful during the development or troubleshooting of your website.

How do I enable debug mode in WordPress?

1. Login to your hosting environment

Use an FTP client (such as FileZilla) or the file manager in your hosting panel to access your WordPress files.

2. Open the wp-config.php file

1. Find the file wp-config.php in the main folder of your WordPress installation.
2. Open the file with a text editor such as Notepad++ or the built-in editor of your hosting.

3. Enable debug mode

Search the file for the line:

phpDefine('WP_DEBUG', false);

Change this to:

phpDefine('WP_DEBUG', true);

4. Log debug information (optional)

To save error messages to a log file, add the following lines under the WP_DEBUG-line:

phpDefine('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true); // Logs errors in wp-content/debug.log Define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false); // Prevents errors from appearing on the website @ini_set('display_errors', 0); // Suppresses errors on the screen

5. Save the changes

Save the changes and upload the file to the server again (if you use FTP).

Viewing the debug log

If you want to analyze error messages, you can debug.log file find in the folder /wp content/. Open this file with a text editor to view detailed error messages.

Disable debug mode

Once you have solved the problems, it is important to disable the debug mode. Set the value of WP_DEBUG again on false:

phpDefine('WP_DEBUG', false);

Common problems and solutions

• Error messages remain visible: Check that WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY is set to false.
• No debug log file: Make sure the folder /wp content/ has writing rights (usually 755 or 775).
• Access denied to wp-config.php: Contact your hosting provider if you cannot edit the file.

Conclusion

Enabling the WordPress Debug Mode is a powerful tool for developers and website owners to resolve problems. Follow these steps carefully and don't forget to disable debug mode when you're done.

Do you have questions about debugging in WordPress? Leave a comment, and we will help you further!