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Advanced PhpStorm Features Every PHP Dev Should Know

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1. Installation and initial setup

System requirements

Before installing, ensure your system meets basic requirements: a modern multi-core CPU, at least 4 GB of RAM (8 GB+ recommended), and sufficient disk space. PhpStorm runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Download and install

  1. Visit the JetBrains website and download the PhpStorm installer for your OS.
  2. Run the installer and follow prompts:
    • Windows: Run the .exe, choose installation path, optionally create desktop shortcut and file associations.
    • macOS: Open the .dmg and drag PhpStorm to Applications.
    • Linux: Unpack the tar.gz and run the shell script in the bin directory or use a package manager if available.

First-run configuration

  • On first start, PhpStorm may ask to import settings from a previous installation — choose accordingly.
  • Select a UI theme (Light or Darcula) and configure editor font size.
  • Activate your license (JetBrains account, activation code, or 30-day trial).

Configure PHP interpreter

  1. Open Settings/Preferences → Languages & Frameworks → PHP.
  2. Click “…” next to CLI Interpreter and add a local PHP executable or a remote interpreter (Docker, Vagrant, SSH).
  3. PhpStorm will read PHP version and available extensions — ensure Xdebug or Zend Debugger is available if you plan to debug.

2. Project setup and working with frameworks

Create or open a project

  • Use “Open” to load an existing project folder.
  • Use “New Project” to create a project from scratch or from a Composer/Framework template.

Composer integration

PhpStorm integrates with Composer:

  • Settings → Languages & Frameworks → PHP → Composer to set path to composer.phar or system composer.
  • Use the Composer tool window to run install/update and manage dependencies visually.

Framework support

PhpStorm has deep support for frameworks (Laravel, Symfony, Yii, Zend, Magento, Drupal, WordPress). When you open a project, PhpStorm often detects the framework and offers helpful actions (generate code, create migrations, run framework commands).

3. Debugging and testing

Xdebug setup

  • Install and enable Xdebug in your PHP environment.
  • In PhpStorm, configure a Debug server: Settings → PHP → Servers. Add a server pointing to your project’s host, set proper mappings between server paths and project files.
  • Set breakpoints in the editor, start listening for debug connections (the phone icon), and trigger a debug session via browser extension or CLI.
  • The Debug tool window shows stack frames, variables, watches, and allows stepping through code.

PHPUnit integration

  • Configure PHPUnit in Settings → Languages & Frameworks → PHP → Test Frameworks. PhpStorm can use a local phpunit.phar, Composer autoload, or a remote interpreter.
  • Run or debug tests from the gutter icons next to test classes and methods. Use the Test Runner for results, reruns, and code coverage visualization.

4. Essential plugins

PhpStorm works well out-of-the-box, but plugins can tailor the IDE to your workflow. Install plugins from Settings → Plugins.

Recommended plugins:

  • IdeaVim — for Vim modal editing inside the IDE.
  • String Manipulation — quick transformations of strings (snake_case, camelCase, etc.).
  • .env files support — syntax highlighting and assistance for dotenv files.
  • Laravel Plugin (by JetBrains or third-party) — enhances navigation, code completion, and artisan integration for Laravel projects.
  • PHP Annotations — improved support for docblock annotations.
  • Rainbow Brackets — visual matching of bracket pairs.
  • Docker — if you use Docker-based development; integrates container management and interpreters.
  • GitToolBox — extra Git information in the UI and useful actions.

Install only what you use — too many plugins can slow the IDE.

5. Editor features that accelerate development

Intelligent code completion and navigation

  • PhpStorm offers context-aware completion, including framework-aware suggestions.
  • Use Go to Declaration (Ctrl/Cmd+B), Go to Implementation (Ctrl+Alt+B), and Find Usages (Alt+F7) to navigate code quickly.

Live Templates

  • Use and create Live Templates (Settings → Editor → Live Templates) to insert common code patterns. For example, a template for a PHPUnit test method or a getter/setter pair.

Code inspections and quick-fixes

  • PhpStorm runs static analysis on the fly and underlines potential issues. Press Alt+Enter to view and apply quick fixes (import classes, change signature, create method).

Refactoring tools

  • Rename (Shift+F6), Extract Method, Inline Variable, Change Signature, and Safe Delete are reliable and update all references across the project.

Built-in terminal and database tools

  • Use the integrated Terminal for CLI tasks and Composer commands.
  • Database tool window connects to MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, etc., allowing query execution and schema browsing.

6. Essential keyboard shortcuts

Common (Windows/Linux — macOS in parentheses):

  • Search Everywhere: Double Shift
  • Find Action: Ctrl+Shift+A (Cmd+Shift+A)
  • Open File: Ctrl+N (Cmd+O)
  • Open Symbol/Class: Ctrl+Shift+N (Cmd+Shift+O)
  • Go to Declaration: Ctrl+B (Cmd+B)
  • Find Usages: Alt+F7 (Option+F7)
  • Reformat Code: Ctrl+Alt+L (Cmd+Alt+L)
  • Optimize Imports: Ctrl+Alt+O (Ctrl+Option+O)
  • Complete Code: Ctrl+Space (Ctrl+Space)
  • Smart Type Completion: Ctrl+Shift+Space (Ctrl+Shift+Space)
  • Run: Shift+F10 (Ctrl+R)
  • Debug: Shift+F9 (Ctrl+D)
  • Run Context Configuration: Alt+Shift+F10 (Ctrl+Option+R)
  • Recent Files: Ctrl+E (Cmd+E)
  • Move Line Up/Down: Ctrl+Shift+Up/Down (Option+Shift+Up/Down)

Tip: Use Help → Keymap Reference to print or view the full set for your platform.

7. Customizing workflow and performance tips

  • Increase IDE memory if you work on large projects: edit the idea64.vmoptions (Help → Change Memory Settings).
  • Disable unused plugins to reduce startup time.
  • Exclude folders (node_modules, vendor) from indexing when appropriate (Right-click folder → Mark Directory As → Excluded).
  • Configure file watchers for tools like ESLint, Prettier, or Composer scripts to run automatically on file changes.
  • Use Power Save Mode if you need to conserve system resources (File → Power Save Mode).

8. Collaboration and VCS

  • PhpStorm has built-in Git, Mercurial, and other VCS integrations. Use the Git tool window or VCS menu to commit, push, create branches, resolve conflicts, and review diff.
  • Enable pre-commit hooks and run linters locally via the IDE.
  • Use Code With Me or JetBrains Space (integrations available) for real-time pair programming.
  1. Clone repo and open in PhpStorm.
  2. Configure PHP interpreter (Docker) and set up Composer.
  3. Install Laravel plugin and configure artisan commands.
  4. Set up Xdebug with proper server mappings.
  5. Use Live Templates for controllers and tests.
  6. Run migrations via terminal or artisan tool window.
  7. Write code, set breakpoints, and debug failing tests with PHPUnit integration.
  8. Commit changes, run pre-commit checks, push and create a pull request.

10. Learning resources and next steps

  • JetBrains PhpStorm documentation and built-in tips popup.
  • Official tutorials for specific frameworks (Laravel, Symfony).
  • Keyboard shortcut reference and keymap learning plugins (e.g., Key Promoter X).
  • Practice by configuring a small project and gradually adding features: Docker, CI, database connections, and debugger.

Key takeaways:

  • PhpStorm is a powerful, feature-rich PHP IDE with deep framework support.
  • Set up a proper PHP interpreter and Xdebug early for smooth debugging.
  • Leverage Live Templates, inspections, and refactorings to speed up coding.
  • Install a few high-quality plugins (IdeaVim, Docker, Laravel plugin) rather than many small ones.

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