How to install LaraDumps in a Laravel project?

Install via Composer and download the desktop app from the official website; detailed steps are in the documentation, including configuration for Laravel 10.0+ and PHP 8.1+.

LaraDumps vs Spatie Ray: which should I use?

Both are debugging tools for Laravel, but LaraDumps is free and open-source with a dedicated desktop app, while Ray offers a paid version with different integrations; choose based on budget and feature preferences.

Can LaraDumps monitor database queries in real-time?

Yes, it displays SQL queries and slow queries directly in the desktop app, allowing you to track database performance without cluttering your browser or logs.

How to debug Livewire components with LaraDumps?

Use the ds() function within Livewire methods; LaraDumps has built-in support for inspecting Livewire/Volt components, showing debug output in the app.

Is LaraDumps available for all operating systems?

Yes, the desktop app is available for Windows, Linux, and macOS, as stated in the README, ensuring cross-platform compatibility for developers.

Does LaraDumps work with non-Laravel PHP projects?

Yes, via the laradumps/laradumps-core package, but it may have fewer features compared to the Laravel integration, so check the core repository for specifics.

How to time code execution using LaraDumps?

Use the execution timing feature in ds() functions to clock performance; this is part of the enhanced debug tools for measuring code block durations.

Open-Awesome

LaraDumps

MITPHPv5.3.0

A desktop app for debugging Laravel and PHP applications with real-time monitoring of SQL queries, logs, exceptions, and more.

Visit Website GitHub

1.3k stars53 forks0 contributors

What is LaraDumps?

LaraDumps is a debugging tool for Laravel and PHP applications that sends debug output to a separate desktop application. It helps developers inspect variables, monitor SQL queries, logs, exceptions, and other runtime data without interrupting the application's interface.

Target Audience

Laravel and PHP developers who need a clean, real-time debugging experience without cluttering their browser or command-line interface.

Value Proposition

It offers a dedicated desktop app for debugging, real-time monitoring of application components, and enhanced debug functions, making it a comprehensive alternative to traditional dump tools.

Overview

🛻 LaraDumps is a friendly app designed to boost your Laravel PHP coding and debugging experience.

Use Cases

Best For

Debugging Laravel applications with real-time SQL query monitoring
Inspecting Livewire or Volt components during development
Monitoring logs, exceptions, and jobs without browser interference
Validating JSON and searching substrings in debug output
Timing execution of code blocks in PHP applications
Integrating debug tools with Pest PHP for test-driven development

Not Ideal For

Projects running on older PHP or Laravel versions (pre-PHP 8.1 or Laravel <10.0)
Environments where installing a desktop application is restricted or impractical (e.g., some corporate or server setups)
Developers who prefer integrated, browser-based debugging tools and avoid separate app overhead
Teams needing debugging for non-PHP stacks or minimal setups where traditional dump()/dd() suffice

Pros & Cons

Pros

Dedicated Debugging Interface

Sends debug output to a separate desktop app, keeping the browser or CLI clean and uninterrupted, as shown in the example where page loading isn't interfered.

Comprehensive Real-time Monitoring

Monitors and displays SQL queries, logs, exceptions, mail, jobs, and more in real-time, providing deep insights into application behavior without manual logging.

Enhanced Debug Functions

Offers ds() and similar functions with tools for JSON validation, substring search, execution timing, and phpinfo() output, going beyond basic dump()/dd().

Laravel-First Integration

Specifically designed for Laravel, with features for debugging Livewire/Volt components, inspecting Eloquent models, and integrating with Pest PHP for testing.

Cons

Desktop App Dependency

Requires downloading and running a separate desktop application for Windows, Linux, or macOS, adding setup complexity and potential environment constraints.

Framework and Version Limitations

Officially supports only Laravel 10.0+ and PHP 8.1+, excluding older projects, and non-Laravel PHP use requires a separate core package with possibly reduced features.

Code Coupling Risk

Using ds() functions ties debug code directly to LaraDumps, which could complicate switching to other tools or removing debug statements in production.

Resource Overhead

Running the desktop app and real-time monitoring features may consume additional system resources, impacting performance on lower-end machines.

Open Source Alternative To

LaraDumps is an open-source alternative to the following products:

Spatie Ray

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Projects

Whoops

PHP errors for cool kids

Stars13,240

Forks599

Last commit4 days ago

Symfony VarDumper

Provides mechanisms for walking through any arbitrary PHP variable

Stars7,441

Forks101

Last commit2 days ago

Kint

Kint - Advanced PHP dumper

Stars2,818

Forks286

Last commit3 months ago

PHPBench

PHP Benchmarking framework

Stars2,000

Forks132

Last commit28 days ago

Community-curated · Updated weekly · 100% open source

Found a gem we're missing?

Open-Awesome is built by the community, for the community. Submit a project, suggest an awesome list, or help improve the catalog on GitHub.

Submit a project Star on GitHub