Debugging a WordPress installation is a crucial step to identify and resolve errors on your website. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you debug WordPress:
- Enable WordPress Debugging:
Open your wp-config.php file, which is located in the root directory of your WordPress installation. Look for the following line:define('WP_DEBUG', false);
Change it to:define('WP_DEBUG', true); define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true); define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false);
This will enable debugging, log errors to a file, and prevent errors from displaying on your site. - Check the Debug Log:
Look for a debug.log file in your wp-content directory. This file will log any errors or warnings. Check the log for information about the issues on your site. - Disable Plugins:
Deactivate all plugins to check if the issue is caused by a plugin. If the problem disappears, reactivate each plugin one by one until you find the one causing the issue. - Switch to a Default Theme:
Activate a default WordPress theme like Twenty Twenty-One. If the issue is resolved, your theme might be the problem. Consider contacting the theme developer or using a different theme. - Check for Syntax Errors:
Ensure that there are no syntax errors in your theme or plugin files. Even a small syntax error can break your site. Use an FTP client or file manager to access your WordPress files and review them for errors. - Clear Browser Cache:
Clear your browser cache to make sure you are not seeing cached versions of your site. Sometimes, issues can be related to outdated or cached content. - Inspect Browser Console:
Open your browser's developer tools and check the console for any JavaScript errors. This can provide insights into issues with scripts running on your site. - Increase PHP Memory Limit:
If your site is running out of memory, it can lead to errors. Increase the PHP memory limit by adding the following line to your wp-config.php file:
define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');
Adjust the limit based on your server capabilities. - Re-upload Core WordPress Files:
Download a fresh copy of WordPress and replace your existing core files (except wp-config.php and the wp-content directory). This ensures that your core files are not corrupted.