This guide outlines the differences between the free and premium versions of Debug Log Viewer.

Free Features

Unlimited Log Viewing

The free version provides complete access to your debug log history without any limitations on the number of entries you can view. This allows for comprehensive monitoring and analysis of all errors generated by your WordPress site.

Real-Time Log Monitoring

You can monitor logs in real-time using the Auto mode, which polls the log file every 10 seconds. Alternatively, use Manual mode to refresh logs only when needed.

Basic Search and Filtering

The free version includes full-text search across all log entries, allowing you to quickly locate specific errors. You can also filter logs by error type such as Notice, Warning, Fatal Error, and more.

SearchBuilder Advanced Filtering

Create complex filter combinations using the SearchBuilder tool. This feature allows you to save and manage multiple filter sets for recurring analysis tasks.

Debug Constants Management

Easily toggle WordPress debug constants like WP_DEBUG, WP_DEBUG_LOG, SCRIPT_DEBUG, and WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY. The plugin provides security warnings when enabling WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY to prevent exposing sensitive information on production sites.

Single Email Recipient Alerts

Configure one email address to receive notifications about critical errors. Choose from multiple alert frequencies including Hourly, Twice Daily, Daily, or Weekly.

Stack Trace Viewing

Expand stack traces for each log entry to see the full call hierarchy leading to an error. This helps identify the root cause of issues.

Column Visibility Controls

Customize your log table view by showing or hiding columns based on your needs. This allows you to focus on the most relevant data for your analysis.

Pro Features

CSV Export with Date Ranges

The Pro version allows you to download logs as CSV files with the ability to filter exports by custom date ranges. This is useful for analyzing errors within specific time periods.

Custom Time Range Filtering

Select specific time periods for analysis and export data between any two dates. This feature is particularly helpful when investigating issues that occurred during specific time windows.

Advanced Email Alert Customization

Monitor additional error levels such as Warnings and Notices, which are not available in the free version. You can also configure alerts for custom error types specific to your needs.

Multiple Email Recipients

Add up to three email addresses for notifications, allowing you to distribute alerts across team members. This ensures that multiple stakeholders can stay informed about critical errors.

Automatic Log Cleanup

Schedule regular log file maintenance to prevent files from growing too large. Choose from multiple cleanup frequencies such as Every 6 hours, Every 12 hours, Twice Daily, or Once Daily.

Scheduled Cleanup with Multiple Frequencies

The Pro version offers more flexibility in scheduling cleanup tasks. You can align these schedules with your site’s maintenance windows to minimize impact on performance.

Priority Support

Pro users receive priority support with faster response times. This ensures that critical issues are addressed promptly, reducing downtime and improving site reliability.

Feature Comparison Table

Feature	Free Version	Pro Version
Log Viewing	✓ Unlimited	✓ Unlimited
Real-Time Updates	✓ Auto/Manual	✓ Auto/Manual
Basic Search & Filtering	✓	✓
SearchBuilder	✓	✓
Debug Constants Control	✓	✓
Email Alerts	1 Recipient	Up to 3
CSV Export		✓ Date Range
Custom Time Filtering		✓
Additional Error Levels	Database Errors Fatal Errors Parse Errors Deprecated	Database Errors Fatal Errors Parse Errors Deprecated Warnings Notices Custom
Automatic Cleanup		✓ Scheduled
Priority Support	Standard	✓ Priority

For more information about upgrading to the Pro version, visit our pricing page.

This section provides in-depth technical information for advanced users.

Glossary of Terms

WP_DEBUG Constants Explained

WP_DEBUG

Master switch for debugging. When true, WordPress outputs errors, notices, and warnings.

WP_DEBUG_LOG

Logs errors to debug.log file. Essential for persistent error tracking. There is no sense in case WP_DEBUG is off.

WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY

Controls whether errors display on screen. Should be false in production environments. There is no sense in case WP_DEBUG is off.

SCRIPT_DEBUG

Forces WordPress to use development versions of core JS/CSS files. Useful for debugging JavaScript issues. There is no sense in case WP_DEBUG is off.

Cron Jobs in WordPress

WP-Cron runs scheduled tasks like alerts and cleanups. Triggered by site visits or real cron jobs. Can be manually executed via wp-cron.php.

Log Rotation Concepts

Process of archiving and removing old log entries. Helps maintain manageable log file sizes. Automated in the Pro version.

AJAX Polling

Technique used for live updates. In Auto mode, the plugin polls the log file every 10 seconds to check for any updates.

Stack Traces

Hierarchy of function calls leading to an error. Shows the path from initial request to failure point. Essential for pinpointing root causes.

Log Entry Types

• Notice: Non-critical issues (e.g., deprecated functions)
• Warning: Serious but non-fatal problems
• Fatal Error: Crashes script execution
• Database Error: Issues with database queries
• Parse Error: Syntax issues in PHP code

Custom Constants

• DBG_LV_USER_DEFINED_LOG_FILE_LIMIT: Override default 10MB limit.
  Exmaple: define('DBG_LV_USER_DEFINED_LOG_FILE_LIMIT', 20971520); // 20MB in bytes
  Open wp-config.php and add the line before the /* That's all, stop editing! */ comment.

For feature comparison, see the Free vs Pro Features guide.