# Xdebug Helper for Firefox

> This extension is very useful for PHP developers that are using PHP tools with Xdebug support like PHPStorm, Eclipse with PDT, Netbeans and MacGDBp or any other Xdebug compatible profiling tool like KCacheGrind, WinCacheGrind or Webgrind.

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/xdebug-helper-for-firefox](https://chrome-stats.com/d/xdebug-helper-for-firefox)

## Overview

- **ID:** `xdebug-helper-for-firefox`
- **Platform:** Firefox
- **Type:** Firefox add-on
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** BrianGilbert\_
- **Category:** web-development,other
- **Daily users:** 13,735
- **Weekly downloads:** 77
- **Rating:** 4.15 / 5 (71 ratings)
- **Version:** 1.0.10
- **Last updated:** 2023-07-25
- **First published:** 2017-08-19
- **Size:** 352 KB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-06
- **Store listing:** [Firefox Add-ons Store](https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/xdebug-helper-for-firefox/)
- **Website:** [https://github.com/BrianGilbert/xdebug-helper-for-firefox/issues](https://github.com/BrianGilbert/xdebug-helper-for-firefox/issues)

## Description

Xdebug Helper for Firefox is an essential browser extension designed specifically for PHP developers who utilize Xdebug for debugging, profiling, and tracing. It seamlessly integrates with popular development tools like PHPStorm, Eclipse with PDT, Netbeans, MacGDBp, and profiling tools such as KCacheGrind, WinCacheGrind, and Webgrind.

This extension simplifies the process of toggling debugging functions by allowing users to enable or disable debugging, profiling, and tracing directly through the browser without managing POST/GET variables or cookies manually. You can keep the browser interface clean by configuring the extension icon visibility to appear only on selected pages. Keyboard shortcut Alt + Shift + X offers quick toggling of debug status, enhancing workflow efficiency for developers.

## Rankings

- #654 — Overall
- #52 — Web Development
- #86 — Other extensions
- #8 — debug
- #32 — firefox
- #45 — foe

## Permissions and access

### Permissions

- `tabs`
- `*://*/*`

### Content script matches

- `*`

## Safety

- **Risk impact:** High risk impact
- **Risk likelihood:** Low risk likelihood

### Analysis details

- Grants access to browser tabs, which can be used to track user browsing habits and history, presenting a privacy concern.
- This extension has medium user count. Unpopular extensions may not be stable or safe.

> Some risk analysis details are omitted from this free response. [Upgrade to view the full analysis](https://chrome-stats.com/pricing).

## Review summary

A mixed reception: some users report easy installation and minimal setup, but many users experience non-functionality, UI/toolbar visibility problems, and unresponsive shortcuts. Compatibility with current Firefox versions is problematic, and maintenance appears inactive. A few users advise alternatives like xdebug-ext.

### Pros

- Installs cleanly.
- Easy to use.
- Works with little or no configuration.

### Cons

- Not functioning / stops working for long periods; reported lack of support.
- Not appearing in the toolbar or able to enable it; toolbar pinning/visibility issues.
- Shortcut key not responding.
- Not actively maintained; many bugs and no updates.
- Compatibility issues with recent Firefox versions (100.x and 101.x).

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/xdebug-helper-for-firefox)