Use Laravel’s dd(), dump(), and Log:: methods for quick variable inspection and logging to storage/logs/laravel.log; 2. Set APP_ENV=local and APP_DEBUG=true in .env for detailed error pages during development; 3. Install and use Laravel Telescope to monitor requests, queries, logs, and exceptions via /telescope; 4. Utilize Laravel Debugbar or ->toSql()->dd() to inspect database queries and prevent N 1 issues; 5. Set up Xdebug with php.ini configuration and integrate with PHPStorm or VS Code for step-by-step debugging; 6. Apply Laravel’s validation and try-catch blocks to handle input and exceptions safely; 7. Run Laravel Pint, PHPStan, or Psalm to enforce code standards and detect bugs early, combining built-in tools with best practices for efficient debugging throughout the development lifecycle.

Debugging a Laravel application effectively involves combining Laravel’s built-in tools with general PHP debugging practices and external utilities. Here’s how you can do it efficiently:

1. Use Laravel’s Logging and dd() / dump() Functions

For quick inspection during development, Laravel provides several helper functions:

• dd() (dump and die): Outputs a variable’s content and stops execution. Great for checking data at a specific point.

  dd($user);

• dump(): Same as dd() but doesn’t stop execution.

  dump($request->all());

Use these in controllers, routes, or service classes to inspect variables, request data, or query results.

Also, leverage Laravel’s logging system:

Log::debug('User login attempt', ['email' => $email]);
Log::info('Order processed successfully', ['order_id' => $order->id]);
Log::error('Payment failed', ['exception' => $exception]);

Logs are stored in storage/logs/laravel.log and can help trace issues in production when dd() isn’t safe to use.

2. Enable Detailed Error Reporting

Ensure your environment is configured to show errors during development:

• Set the following in your .env file:

  APP_ENV=local
  APP_DEBUG=true

  This enables detailed error pages with stack traces via Laravel’s exception handler.

• Never enable APP_DEBUG=true in production — it can expose sensitive information.

When an exception occurs, Laravel displays a Whoops! page with file, line number, and full stack trace — invaluable for pinpointing bugs.

3. Use Laravel Telescope (For Development)

Laravel Telescope is a powerful debugging tool that gives insight into requests, exceptions, logs, database queries, mail, and more.

Install it via Composer:

composer require laravel/telescope
php artisan telescope:install
php artisan migrate

After installation, access Telescope at /telescope in your app. It helps you:

• See all executed SQL queries and their execution time.
• Inspect HTTP requests and responses.
• Track logged messages and exceptions.
• Monitor job dispatches and event broadcasts.

Telescope is ideal for diagnosing performance issues or unexpected behavior.

4. Debug Database Queries and Eloquent Issues

Common bugs come from incorrect queries or Eloquent relationships.

• Use the Laravel Debugbar (third-party package) to view SQL queries in your browser:

  composer require barryvdh/laravel-debugbar --dev

  It shows executed queries, execution time, and parameters — helpful for N 1 problems.

• To debug Eloquent queries, use toSql() and dd():

  $query = User::where('active', 1);
  dd($query->toSql()); // Shows the raw SQL

• Use ->dd() or ->dump() on query builders:

  User::where('role', 'admin')->dd();

5. Leverage Xdebug with a PHPStorm or VS Code

For deeper debugging (e.g., stepping through code), set up Xdebug:

• Install Xdebug (via PECL or package manager).
• Configure php.ini:

  zend_extension=xdebug.so
  xdebug.mode=debug
  xdebug.start_with_request=yes
  xdebug.client_host=127.0.0.1
  xdebug.client_port=9003

• Use with an IDE like PHPStorm or VS Code to set breakpoints, inspect variables, and step through requests.

This is especially useful for complex business logic or third-party package integration.

6. Validate Inputs and Handle Exceptions Properly

Many bugs stem from unvalidated input or uncaught exceptions.

• Use Laravel form requests or validation rules:

  $request->validate([
      'email' => 'required|email',
      'password' => 'required|min:8'
  ]);

• Wrap risky code in try-catch blocks:

  try {
      $payment = $gateway->charge($amount);
  } catch (PaymentException $e) {
      Log::error('Payment failed: ' . $e->getMessage());
      return back()->withErrors('Payment could not be processed.');
  }

• Customize exception handling in app/Exceptions/Handler.php.

7. Use Laravel Pint and PHPStan for Code Quality

Prevent bugs before they happen:

• Laravel Pint: Enforces coding standards.

  vendor/bin/pint

• PHPStan or Psalm: Static analysis tools that catch potential bugs.

  composer require --dev phpstan/phpstan
  vendor/bin/phpstan analyse app/

These tools identify type mismatches, undefined variables, and unreachable code.

Effectively debugging Laravel means using the right tool at the right stage — from quick dd() checks during development to structured logging and IDE-level debugging for complex issues. Combine Laravel’s ecosystem tools with solid PHP practices, and you’ll resolve bugs faster and write more reliable code.

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