When it comes to debugging PHP applications most developers fall into one of two camps. They either use a package such as Zend Debugger, set breakpoints and painstakingly go through their code checking the variable values. Or alternatively for those of you not using $200 worth of IDE, and a common method employed by more php 'beginners', they will print_r() and var_dump() all over the place to check what is going on, the resulting dumps appearing inline with the rest of the site.

Personally, I use both methods, and I imagine most other developers are in the same boat. When you need a quick variable output or to see the full contents of an array you often can't beat var_dump for speed of implementation. Which is why this superb little class file that was recently bought to my attention (thanks Chris!) should be of interest to you all.

I was pleased to see that Zend Studio 5 was released today, although as a long-time Zend customer a little disappointed they didn't email to say, but I'm sure they'll get around to it. The installation was a breeze on my PC and Mac, and it picked up my settings files from v4 without a problem. There are some great new additions in version 5, several of which I personally feel slightly responsible for, let me explain...