Getting Xdebug Working with PhpStorm in a Docker Container Inside a Vagrant Box

Learn how to configure Xdebug with PhpStorm when using Docker inside a Vagrant box. This guide addresses common pitfalls and provides clear steps for troubleshooting.
---
This video is based on the question https://stackoverflow.com/q/70224765/ asked by the user 'WesleyAlex' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/16517694/ ) and on the answer https://stackoverflow.com/a/70232781/ provided by the user 'Derick' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/508057/ ) at 'Stack Overflow' website. Thanks to these great users and Stackexchange community for their contributions.

Visit these links for original content and any more details, such as alternate solutions, latest updates/developments on topic, comments, revision history etc. For example, the original title of the Question was: PhpStorm can't use Xdebug on Docker container inside Vagrant box

Also, Content (except music) licensed under CC BY-SA https://meta.stackexchange.com/help/licensing
The original Question post is licensed under the 'CC BY-SA 4.0' ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ ) license, and the original Answer post is licensed under the 'CC BY-SA 4.0' ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ ) license.

If anything seems off to you, please feel free to write me at vlogize [AT] gmail [DOT] com.
---
Configuring Xdebug in PhpStorm Inside a Docker Container in Vagrant

Are you facing trouble getting Xdebug to work in PhpStorm while using Docker inside a Vagrant box? You’re not alone! Many developers encounter challenges due to the intricate communication layers involved. In this post, we’ll break down the steps needed to successfully connect Xdebug in your PHP container to PhpStorm, ensuring you can use effective debugging tools without a hitch.

Understanding the Issue

When working with Docker and Vagrant, two distinct layers of abstraction can complicate your setup. The common issue arises from an incorrect assumption: trying to expose Docker's debugger information to PhpStorm directly. However, the real challenge is getting Xdebug to initiate a connection to your IDE, not the other way around.

Key Components

Docker: A platform that allows you to containerize applications.

Vagrant: A tool for building and managing virtual machine environments.

PhpStorm: An integrated development environment (IDE) for PHP development.

Xdebug: A PHP extension that offers debugging capabilities.

The Correct Approach to Configuration

To set up Xdebug successfully, follow these detailed steps:

Step 1: Identify Your Host's IP Address

You need Xdebug to connect to the IP address where PhpStorm is running. Execute the following command in your terminal:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Look for the IP address of your host machine. This is crucial for establishing a connection between Xdebug and your IDE.

Step 2: Update the Xdebug Configuration

Once you've identified the host IP address, update your Xdebug configuration file (usually found at /usr/local/etc/php/conf.d/docker-php-ext-xdebug.ini or a similar path in your Docker PHP container) with the following settings:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Replace <YOUR_HOST_IP> with the IP address you found earlier. This tells Xdebug where to send debugging connections.

Step 3: Ensure PhpStorm is Listening for Connections

In PhpStorm, ensure that you have the proper settings enabled for debugging:

Open Preferences: Go to File → Settings (or PhpStorm → Preferences on Mac).

Navigate to PHP → Debug.

Under the Xdebug section, make sure to enable the Can accept external connections option.

Step 4: Set Up Your Project in PhpStorm

Open your PHP project in PhpStorm.

Ensure that the debug configuration is set to listen for incoming connections. You can start a new debug session by clicking on the "Start Listening for PHP Debug Connections" button (often represented by a phone icon).

Step 5: Test the Connection

To test whether Xdebug is correctly configured:

Set a breakpoint in your PHP code.

Initiate a script execution that triggers the breakpoint.

Check if PhpStorm stops at the breakpoint, indicating a successful connection.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If things are not working as expected, consider the following:

Double-check that you are using the correct host IP in your Xdebug settings.

Verify that port 9003 is open and not blocked by your firewall or any security settings.

Ensure that Docker is running and the containers are correctly set up.

Conclusion

Configuring Xdebug to work with PhpStorm when using Docker inside a Vagrant box may seem challenging, but understanding how the connections are made can simplify the process. By following the steps outlined above, you should be well on your way to effective debugging in your PHP projects. If you encounter specific hurdles, don't hesitate to seek help from the community or refer to the documentation for further clarification. Happy debugging!

Видео Getting Xdebug Working with PhpStorm in a Docker Container Inside a Vagrant Box канала vlogize