Xdebug helper

Easy debugging, profiling and tracing extension for Xdebug

Xdebug Helper is an essential Chrome extension for PHP developers working with Xdebug. It streamlines debugging, profiling, and tracing by enabling or disabling these features quickly without fiddling with POST/GET variables or cookies.

Designed to integrate smoothly with popular PHP tools like PHPStorm, Eclipse PDT, Netbeans, and MacGDBp, as well as profiling utilities such as KCacheGrind, WinCacheGrind, and Webgrind, it boosts development productivity. The extension icon can be configured to appear only on specific pages, keeping the browser interface tidy. Convenient hotkeys allow users to swiftly toggle debugging modes.

Contribute or report issues on its GitHub repository to help improve this valuable developer tool.

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By:: Wrep
Users:: 100,000+ -100,000
Rating:: 4.37
(432)
Version:: 1.6.1 (Last updated: 2016-10-24)
Creation date:: 2016-10-24
Risk:: High risk impact Low risk likelihood
Permissions:: tabs
*://*/*
Size:: 71.81K
Full description:: See detailed description
Source:: Chrome Web Store
Updated:: a day ago

Ranking

# 1,829 ▼ 619

Other rankings

#2623 in Developer Tools ▼ 1 #23 in debug keyword 32 #118 in extension keyword 93 ▲ 24 #126 in shift keyword 33 ▲ 9 #209 in browser extension keyword 83 ▲ 35

User reviews

Xdebug Helper is a popular and indispensable Chrome extension beloved for its ease of enabling Xdebug debugging, especially with PhpStorm on Xdebug 3.x. However, recent Chrome updates and changes in Xdebug 3 have caused functionality breaks for many users, including JS errors and lack of compatibility. Some users report it does not work in Brave browser or with certain PHP versions. Port inflexibility and UI responsiveness issues also appear. Despite these drawbacks, it remains a valued tool appreciated worldwide for simplifying debugging tasks.

Pros

Widely used and considered essential by many users for daily work.
Works well and reliably with PhpStorm and Xdebug version 3.x on certain environments.
Helps users enable debugging with Xdebug effectively after initial configuration struggles.
Simple and effective tool for managing Xdebug sessions.
Highly appreciated and recommended by users across different languages and regions.

Cons

Not compatible or fully functional with Xdebug version 3 in many cases.
Stopped working or has JavaScript errors after recent Chrome updates, requiring manual fixes like clearing cookies.
Lack of flexibility, such as hardcoding port 9000 without option to change it, limiting usability in some environments.
Does not work in some browsers like Brave or with newer PHP versions (e.g., PHP 7.2-7.3) for some users.
Some UI/UX issues, like the icon not responding or external dependencies causing loading delays in certain regions (e.g., China).

Recent reviews

This thing is a staple in my day to day! Please don't deprecate it, ever!

Alex Lemaire, 2025-03-13

Is no longer working after the latest Chrome Update. Checkout the alternative from JetBrains: https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/xdebug%20extension/aoelhdemabeimdhedkidlnbkfhnhgnhm

Michael Spiegel, 2025-03-13

hasnt worked since xdebug 3

Andrew Reddin, 2024-12-19

View all user reviews

Extension safety

Risk impact

Xdebug helper requires some sensitive permissions that could impact your browser and data security. Exercise caution before installing.

Risk impact analysis details

Critical Grants access to browser tabs, which can be used to track user browsing habits and history, presenting a privacy concern.
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High ******* ******* **** *** ****** ***** *** ***** ** ******* **** ********* ********* ** * *********** *****

Risk likelihood

Xdebug helper has earned a fairly good reputation and likely can be trusted.

Risk likelihood analysis details

High This extension has low user count. Unpopular extensions may not be stable or safe.
Low **** ********* *** ******* **** **** * ****** **** ***** ******** *** **** ****** ** ** ****** *** *****
Low **** ********* *** ***** **** **** * ****** **** ***** ********** *** **** ****** ** ** ****** *** *****
Good **** ********* *** **** **** *******

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