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Every WordPress site owner will, at some point, encounter an error or unexpected behavior on their website. It’s almost an inevitable part of managing a digital space. Fortunately, WordPress offers a built-in mechanism to record these anomalies – the WordPress error logs.

Decoding the Error Log

Essentially, an error log is a systematic record of all error messages that your website produces, alongside the exact moments they transpired. Once the debugging feature in WordPress is activated, all these anomalies get registered in a file for future analysis.

Think of it as a medical record. Just as doctors use patient history to diagnose ailments, website administrators utilize error logs to identify and treat website hiccups.

Activating the WordPress Debugging Feature

• Turning Debug Mode On with Plugins:

For those who prefer a straightforward approach, plugins are your best bet. Start by installing the ‘WP Debugging’ plugin. Once activated, this plugin will instantly commence the error logging process.

• Turning Debug Mode On Manually:

Seasoned WordPress users might opt for the manual route. This involves editing the wp-config.php file. Insert the following lines of code just before the “That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging” message:

define( ‘WP_DEBUG’, true );define( ‘WP_DEBUG_LOG’, true );

Accessing the Treasure Trove: The WordPress Error Logs

Having enabled the debugging mode, your website will start recording errors. Initially, this log might be barren, but as you navigate through problematic areas of your site, this log will populate.

• To access this log:

1. Connect to your site using an FTP client or through the file manager in your hosting panel;
2. Navigate to the /wp-content/ directory;
3. Look for the debug.log file. This is your treasure trove of error insights.

You can then download or view this file to scrutinize the error details.

Troubleshooting with WordPress Error Logs

While these logs may appear as cryptic jargon to the untrained eye, they’re essential for problem-solving. Some common issues you can tackle with the help of logs include:

• WordPress’s infamous white screen of death;
• PHP anomalies;
• Invalid JSON errors;
• Permission issues like “Sorry, you are not allowed to access this page”.

If deciphering these logs seems daunting, worry not! Several online communities, including the WPBeginner Engage Facebook Group, offer help. Remember to share the error message or code when seeking assistance.

Disengaging the Debugging Mode

While the debugging mode is a boon for troubleshooting, keeping it perpetually active is inadvisable. It can be resource-intensive and might inadvertently expose sensitive data. Depending on your activation method:

• Plugin Users: Simply deactivate the ‘WP Debugging’ plugin;
• Manual Method: Edit the wp-config.php file and set the WP_DEBUG and WP_DEBUG_LOG values to ‘false’.

Common WordPress Errors and Their Potential Causes

Error Name	Likely Cause	First Steps to Resolve
White Screen of Death	Theme/Plugin Conflicts, Exhausted Memory	Deactivate recent plugins, Switch to default theme, Increase memory limit
500 Internal Server Error	Corrupted .htaccess, PHP Memory Limit	Check and regenerate .htaccess, Increase PHP memory
Database Connection Error	Incorrect wp-config details, Database server down	Verify database credentials, Check with hosting provider
404 Not Found	Permalink settings, Missing .htaccess	Update Permalink settings, Regenerate .htaccess file
Syntax Error	Mistake in code editing	Correct the code using FTP or hosting file manager
“Sorry, you are not allowed to access…”	Permission issues, Plugin conflicts	Check user permissions, Deactivate recent plugins
Login Page Refresh/Redirect	Incorrect site URL settings, Plugin conflicts	Check site URL settings, Clear cache and cookies, Deactivate plugins

This table aims to provide a snapshot of some frequent WordPress errors, their potential causes, and immediate steps you might consider troubleshooting them. Always ensure to keep regular backups of your site to quickly restore functionality in case of persistent issues.

Video Guide

To finally answer all your questions, we have prepared a special video for you. Enjoy watching it!

Conclusion 

Navigating the intricate paths of WordPress error logs might initially seem daunting, especially for those new to website management. Yet, understanding and harnessing the power of these logs can drastically improve the health and performance of your website. By equipping oneself with the knowledge of where and how to access these logs, and by leveraging the right tools and strategies, you can efficiently troubleshoot and rectify issues. And remember, WordPress, with its vast community, ensures that you’re never alone in this journey. Help is always just a forum post or a plugin away.

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