New Xdebug browser extensions
Years ago I wrote about a Firefox extension that allows you to start an Xdebug debugging session by clicking on an icon in Firefox' status bar. For some unexplained reason, this extension is no longer available through Firefox' addon-site. Although I have a copy at http://xdebug.org/files/xdebug_helper-0.3.1-fx.xpi for archival purposes, there are now a few other browser extensions that do the same thing.
easy Xdebug
easy Xdebug is an extension that serves as a replacement for the now unavailable Xdebug helper extension. It's written by Brecht Vanhaesebrouck of eLime. The extension was originally tested with Netbeans but it also seems to work fine with Komodo.
Xdebug enabler
Xdebug enabler is an extension for Google's Chrome browser. It "allows you to enable and disable triggering Xdebug from with in Chrome. Useful if you are a web developer using an IDE that supports Xdebug like Eclipse with PDT." It's written by 'remailednet' and available through the Google Chrome Extensions website.
JavaScript 'enabler'
I also ran across a blog post by 'Caleb G' from HigherVisibility. Instead of making an extension for a specific browser, he outlines two JavaScript bookmarklets that allow you to start and stop an Xdebug debugging session.
Update: The "Xdebug enabler" Chrome Extension seems to have some issues. There is now also an alternative Chrome Extension called Xdebug helper that integrates quite a bit better. You can find it at its Google Chrome Extension page.
Comments
I also put together a bookmarklet some years ago which works by setting the cookie instead of rewriting the URL.
http://pollinimini.net/blog/xdebug-bookmarklet
/imv
easy Xdebug is no alternative to xdebug-helper. I used the MR Tech Toolkit extension to make xdebug-helper compatible with Firefox 3.6. Works.
@Hannes: And why is it no alternative?
Cool!
xdebug-helper just enables the debugger, but does not send a request. easy xdebug resends the current request when debugging is activated.
@Hannes: I just tested it and for me it is not sending a new request. There was a new version released (1.4) yesterday though.
Yes, you are right, easy xdebug version 1.4 is similar to xdebug helper:
Changelog 1.4:
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Added support for seamonkey (not tested)
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Made the debug button a toggle button
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Added a toggle button for profiling
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Clicking the buttons no longer resubmits the current page
No need for xdebug helper.
Life Line
Created a waste_basket, an information, and a grit_bin; Updated 2 bicycle_parkings
Created 8 waste_baskets; Updated 3 benches and 3 waste_baskets
If I would like (to rent) a desk for working for an afternoon in Amsterdam North, or near Centraal, what would be a good place?
Updated a marina
I walked 9.7km in 1h46m04s
Updated an information and a bench
Created 2 benches
Created 4 picnic_tables, a bench, and a fitness_station; Updated a pub and a sport club
Created 2 benches and 2 waste_baskets; Updated 4 benches, a bus_stop, and a cafe; Confirmed a dentist
Created 3 waste_baskets, 2 main entrances, and a bench; Deleted a cycle_barrier, a bench, and a waste_basket
Created an information; Updated a waste_basket and a bench
Updated 2 waste_baskets and a bench
Created 3 benches
Created a waste_basket; Updated 2 benches and a tree
I hiked 17.0km in 3h52m14s
I walked 3.5km in 35m31s
Created a main entrance and a home entrance
Created an entrance
Updated a house building
Created an entrance
I walked 5.8km in 1h15m06s
I've just finished reading "A Cheese-Monger's Tour de France", by Ned Palmer.
Now I want to try many of those! 🧀
I'm thrilled to announce that I'll be speaking at the 23rd edition of #phpday, the international PHP conference in Italy, organised by @grusp.
I’ll be presenting a talk titled: "Better Debugging With Xdebug".
It's in Verona, Italy, on May 14-15th 2026.
You can use my speaker’s discount code "speaker_10OFF" for 10% off at https://www.phpday.it/tickets/?utm_medium=organic&utm_source=linkedin&utm_campaign=post-speaker
I walked 5.5km in 1h11m00s
I walked 1.1km in 9m37s


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