The Log View tab is the primary interface for monitoring and analyzing debug logs.
Viewing Debug Logs
Understanding the Log Table Structure
The log table displays entries with these columns:
- Timestamp: When the error occurred
- Type: Error level (Notice, Warning, Fatal Error, etc.)
- Datetime: Full date and time
- Description: Error message details with callstack (if presented)
- File: Source file path
- Line: Line number in the file
Table Interface Features
The interface includes pagination controls for large log files and row display options (10, 25, 50, or 100 entries per page). The responsive design adapts to different screen sizes.
Debug Constants Control
Toggling WP_DEBUG
- Enable or disable debug mode directly from the interface
- Changes are reflected in real-time
Managing Other Constants
SCRIPT_DEBUG: Controls script version loadingWP_DEBUG_LOG: Logs errors to debug.log fileWP_DEBUG_DISPLAY: Shows errors on screen (use with caution)
Security Warning for WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY
On production sites, this should usually be disabled to prevent sensitive data exposure.
Search & Filtering
Basic Search Functionality
- Use the search bar to filter logs by keyword
- Searches across all columns simultaneously
Understanding Log Entry Types
Common error types include:
- Notice: Non-critical issues that do not stop script execution. Notices typically indicate minor problems such as undefined variables, deprecated behavior usage, or small inconsistencies in the code. While they do not break functionality, they may signal areas that should be cleaned up to ensure stability and future compatibility.
- Warning: More serious issues that still allow the script to continue running. Warnings often occur when a file cannot be included, an argument is invalid, or an operation fails but does not completely halt execution. These should be investigated, as they may lead to unstable behavior.
- Fatal Error: Critical errors that immediately stop script execution. Fatal errors occur when PHP encounters a problem it cannot recover from, such as calling an undefined function, exceeding memory limits, or failing to load a required class. These errors typically result in a white screen or a visible error message.
- Database Error: Errors related to database operations. These occur when a query fails, a table does not exist, credentials are incorrect, or the database server is unreachable. Database errors can break site functionality, especially when retrieving or saving content.
- Deprecated Error: ndicates that a function, method, parameter, or feature is outdated and should no longer be used. Deprecated elements still work but are scheduled for removal in future versions. These notices help developers update their code before compatibility breaks.
- Custom: Log entries intentionally created by developers or plugins for debugging or monitoring purposes. Custom logs are not native PHP error types but are manually written using logging functions. They help track specific events, variable values, API responses, or execution flow during development and troubleshooting.
Column Visibility Controls
Show or hide columns based on your needs:
- Toggle visibility using the column selector dropdown
Advanced Filtering – SearchBuilder
For complex filtering, use the SearchBuilder:
- Create multiple filter conditions
- Combine criteria using AND/OR logic
Real-Time Updates
Live Updates Mode
- Auto mode: Polls the log file every 10 seconds
- Manual mode: Updates only when refreshed by clicking to the button
Performance Considerations
- Auto mode provides real-time monitoring but uses more resources
- Manual mode is suitable for large log files or low-resource environments
Log Actions
Viewing Stack Traces
- Click on an entry to expand the stack trace
- See the full call hierarchy leading to the error
Copying Stack Traces
- One-click copy functionality for easy sharing
- Copies formatted text to clipboard
Reading Detailed Error Descriptions
- Full error messages with context
- File and line references for quick navigation
Log File Information
- View the current log file path
- Check file size with warnings for large files (>10MB)
- Verify file accessibility and security
For more advanced features, see the Settings Tab guide.