Disabling Debugging in WordPress and Moodle

Note: This article is intended for developers and system administrators familiar with server-side configurations. If you are not comfortable modifying configuration files or administrative settings, please consult your WordPress or Moodle site manager, developer, or a qualified expert. Incorrectly modifying these settings could lead to website instability.

This article explains how to disable debugging features in WordPress and Moodle. Debugging tools are invaluable during development for identifying and resolving issues. However, displaying debug information in a live production environment can expose sensitive data and should be disabled.

Disabling WP_DEBUG and WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY in WordPress

WordPress utilizes constants within the wp-config.php file to control debugging.

Steps to Disable Debugging in WordPress:

1. Locate the wp-config.php File: This file resides in the root directory of your WordPress installation.
2. Open the File for Editing: Use a text editor to access the file. You can do this via FTP, your hosting control panel's file manager, or a local editor if you're working on a local development environment.

3. Update Debugging Constants: Search for the following lines within wp-config.php :

   PHP

   
   

define('WP_DEBUG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', true);

1. Change them to:

   PHP

define('WP_DEBUG', false);
define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false);

1. If these lines are not present, add them before the line that reads /* That's all, stop editing! Happy blogging. */ .
2. Save the Changes: Save the wp-config.php file and upload it back to your server if you made changes via FTP or a local editor.

Explanation of Constants:

• WP_DEBUG : When set to true , this constant enables WordPress debugging mode. This results in the logging of PHP errors, warnings, and notices.
• WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY : When set to true , this constant displays debug messages directly on the front end of your website. For security reasons, this should always be set to false in a production environment.

Disabling Debugging and Debug Display in Moodle

Moodle also provides debugging tools that should be disabled on live sites.

Steps to Disable Debugging in Moodle:

1. Log in to the Moodle Admin Dashboard: You must have administrative privileges to access and modify debugging settings.

2. Navigate to the Debugging Settings: Go to Site administration > Development > Debugging. This page contains the debugging configuration options for your Moodle instance.

   Adjust the Debugging Settings:

   • Debug messages: Set this dropdown menu to "NONE" to completely disable all debugging messages.
   • Display debug messages: Uncheck this checkbox to prevent debug messages from being displayed to users on the front end.
3. Save Changes: Click the "Save changes" button to apply your updated settings.

By following these steps, you can effectively disable debugging features in both WordPress and Moodle, ensuring the security and stability of your production websites.