Debugging WordPress can be a frustrating experience for many website owners and developers. However, with the right tools and knowledge, it is possible to troubleshoot and fix common WordPress errors quickly and efficiently.

Enable Debugging Mode

One of the first steps in debugging WordPress is to enable debugging mode. This can be done by adding the following line of code to your wp-config.php file:

This will enable WordPress to display any PHP errors or warnings on the screen, which can be helpful in identifying the cause of the issue. It is important to note that this should only be done on a development or staging site, as displaying errors on a live site can be a security risk.

If your site is live and you do not want your PHP errors or warning to display on the screen, you can add the following additional lines of code to your wp-config.php.

These logs can be found in the /wp-content/debug.log file. The error logs will contain any PHP errors or warnings that have been logged by WordPress, as well as other information such as deprecated functions and plugin conflicts.

404 Errors

One of the most common WordPress errors is the “404 page not found” error. This error occurs when a user tries to access a page or post that does not exist on your website. The first step in troubleshooting this error is to check the permalinks settings in your WordPress dashboard. If the permalinks are not set up correctly, it can cause this error to occur. To fix the issue, go to Settings > Permalinks and select the “Post name” option. This should resolve the issue.

Query Monitor Plugin

Another useful tool for debugging WordPress is the Query Monitor plugin. This plugin provides detailed information about the WordPress database queries, hooks, and actions that are being run on a page. This can be helpful in identifying slow loading pages or database-related issues.

White Screen of Death

Another common issue in WordPress is the “white screen of death” (WSOD) which is when the website is unable to load and only displays a blank white screen. This can be caused by a variety of issues, including plugin conflicts, theme errors, or exhausted PHP memory.

To troubleshoot the “white screen of death,” the first step is to disable all of your plugins. If the issue is resolved after disabling the plugins, you can then enable them one at a time to identify the cause of the conflict. If disabling the plugins does not resolve the issue, you may need to switch to a default WordPress theme to rule out any theme-related issues.

Support Forums

If you are experiencing issues with your WordPress website, it is important to remember that you are not alone. Many WordPress users have faced similar challenges, and there are numerous resources available to help you troubleshoot your issues. One of the best places to start is the WordPress support forum, where you can ask for help from other WordPress users and experts. Additionally, there are many online tutorials and guides available that can help you troubleshoot common WordPress errors. If you still need help, you can always look to professional WordPress experts who offer management and/or support.

In conclusion, debugging WordPress can be a challenging task, but with the right knowledge and resources, it is possible to resolve most issues. By following the steps outlined above and seeking help from the WordPress community or trusted experts , you can troubleshoot and fix any errors you may encounter on your website.