Recommended Free Tools
To debug a PHP application running in Vagrant, install a PHP-compatible Xdebug extension in the guest, enable Xdebug 3 step debugging, and configure it to connect to PhpStorm on your host. Then make PhpStorm listen, trigger debugging in a browser request, and map the guest project directory to its local counterpart.
1. Install Xdebug in the Vagrant guest
Xdebug must be installed for the PHP version used by the application inside the virtual machine. Follow the Xdebug installation guide to select a compatible build and identify the configuration files PHP actually loads.
Do not assume that command-line PHP and the web server use the same configuration. Run php --ini inside the guest to find the CLI configuration; check the web server or PHP-FPM configuration separately if the browser-served application uses a different PHP process. Enable the extension in the active configuration with a directive such as:
zend_extension="<path to xdebug extension>"Replace the placeholder with the extension path for your installation. After changing the configuration, restart the relevant web server or PHP-FPM service. Verify Xdebug is loaded with php -v for CLI PHP or by calling xdebug_info() in the PHP environment serving the application.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minute#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
2. Configure Xdebug 3 to connect from guest to host
Xdebug initiates the debugging connection from PHP in the guest to the IDE on the host. The guest therefore needs a host address it can reach, and PhpStorm must listen on the same port. In the guest’s active PHP configuration, add or adapt:
[xdebug]
zend_extension="<path to xdebug extension>"
xdebug.mode=debug
xdebug.client_host=10.0.2.2
xdebug.client_port=9003The extension directive should appear only once in the applicable configuration. Xdebug 3 uses xdebug.mode=debug; older Xdebug 2 settings such as xdebug.remote_enable and xdebug.remote_host are not replacements for these Xdebug 3 settings.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
JetBrains documents 10.0.2.2 as the host gateway in its Vagrant configuration example, which is a starting point for the default Vagrant setup, not a universal address for every provider or network. Xdebug’s default client port is 9003. If you customize the network or the guest cannot reach that address, use a host address reachable from the guest and set PhpStorm to the same port. Vagrant’s networking documentation describes its high-level network options and notes that provider-specific settings can differ.
3. Set PhpStorm to receive the connection
- Open PhpStorm’s PHP debug configuration and set the debug port to the value of
xdebug.client_port—9003in the example. See JetBrains’ Xdebug configuration instructions. - Choose Run > Start Listening for PHP Debug Connections (or activate the corresponding listening control in the IDE). PhpStorm must be listening before the guest’s connection arrives.
- Open the project locally in PhpStorm and set a breakpoint in the code you want to inspect.
4. Start a browser debugging session and map paths
A configured connection does not necessarily mean every request will start a debugging session. For browser requests, use a browser Xdebug helper extension or activate the request with the documented XDEBUG_SESSION cookie or request parameter. Xdebug describes activation options in its Step Debugging documentation; PhpStorm also documents its zero-configuration debugging flow.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
When PhpStorm receives the connection, associate the path reported by the guest with the matching local project path if prompted. A remote path such as /var/www/app must map to the local directory containing the same project files. Incorrect or missing mappings can leave breakpoints unresolved or make PhpStorm unable to locate the executing file.
5. Troubleshoot based on where debugging stops
Xdebug does not appear in PHP
- Check the active INI for the PHP process handling the request; CLI and web PHP may load different configuration files.
- Confirm the extension path and PHP/Xdebug compatibility, then restart the web server or PHP-FPM as applicable.
- Verify with
php -vfor CLI PHP orxdebug_info()in the web PHP process. See Xdebug installation guidance.
PhpStorm receives no connection
- Confirm PhpStorm is listening and that its debug port matches
xdebug.client_port. - Check that
xdebug.client_hostis reachable from the guest. The documented10.0.2.2example is for the default Vagrant setup; inspect the running VM’s actual network when using another provider or network configuration. - Check host firewalls and configure Xdebug logging if you need to inspect connection attempts. Xdebug’s step debugging guide explains connection configuration, and its settings reference documents the client options.
The connection arrives, but breakpoints do not work
- Make sure the browser request actually activated Xdebug; use a supported helper or the
XDEBUG_SESSIONmechanism. - Correct the remote-to-local path mapping so the guest file path resolves to the corresponding local project file.
Automatic client discovery does not find PhpStorm
Some Vagrant network setups prevent Xdebug from discovering the IDE address from request headers. In that case, configure a reachable static xdebug.client_host in the guest rather than relying on discovery. See Xdebug’s description of errors for diagnostics and network-related failure details.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
