This section covers advanced functionality for power users and developers.
Custom Log Path Support
The plugin automatically detects custom log file paths defined in your WordPress configuration. This supports non-standard locations for debug.log files, which is useful when you need to store logs outside the default WordPress directory structure.
Plugin Auto-Detection Methods
The plugin scans common WordPress directories and checks for alternative debug log locations. It uses multiple detection methods to locate your debug.log file, including:
- Standard WordPress root directory
- wp-content directory
- Custom paths defined in
wp-config.php
Limitations with Custom Paths
Some features may be limited if the custom path is outside standard directories. Ensure that the custom path is writable by WordPress to avoid access issues.
Debug Constants Behavior with Custom Paths
WP_DEBUG_LOG must still be defined in wp-config.php, even when using custom paths. The plugin adapts to the specified path while maintaining all core functionality.
Export Features (Pro)
The Pro version provides CSV export capabilities with advanced filtering options. This allows you to download logs for external analysis.
Exporting Logs to CSV Format
Download logs as comma-separated values compatible with spreadsheet software. This format is ideal for:
- Importing into Excel or Google Sheets
- Creating visualizations and charts
- Sharing with team members
Date Range Filtering for Exports
Select specific time periods for export to focus on relevant data. This feature is particularly useful when:
- Investigating issues during specific time windows
- Generating reports for particular periods
- Analyzing trends over time
Custom Time Range Selection
Set start and end dates for export using the date picker interface. You can filter by:
- Specific hours within a day
- Full days or weeks
- Custom date ranges
Using Exported Data for Analysis
Import exported CSV files into your preferred analysis tools. This allows you to:
- Apply advanced filtering and sorting
- Create pivot tables for trend analysis
- Generate charts and graphs
CSV Structure and Columns
Exported files include all log table columns:
- Timestamp: When the error occurred
- Type: Error level (Notice, Warning, etc.)
- Description: Detailed error message
- File: Source file path
- Line: Line number in the file
- Stack Trace: Full call hierarchy
The log file Security
The plugin includes features to help you secure your debug log files.
Debug File Accessibility Warnings
The plugin detects if your log file is publicly accessible and alerts you to potential security risks. This helps prevent sensitive information from being exposed.
The plugin verifies whether debug.log can be accessed via browser. It checks direct URL access to the file
Security Best Practices
Follow these recommendations to secure your debug logs:
- Place debug.log outside the web root when possible
- Restrict file permissions to 640 or more restrictive
- Regularly clean up old logs
.htaccess Protection Recommendations
Add these rules to your .htaccess file:
<Files ~ "^debug\.log$">
Order deny,allow
Deny from all
</Files>
This prevents public access while maintaining plugin functionality.
