How to use WordPress debug mode during development without exposing notices or paths on a live site.
Why this check matters
Debug mode helps developers find problems, but production logging can grow quickly and can reveal implementation details if display settings are also enabled.
How to review it
- Use a staging copy for routine debugging.
- Keep display disabled for public visitors.
- If logging is enabled, protect and rotate the log file.
- Turn debug settings back to the documented production state.
Keep the change safe
Never paste secrets or customer data into a debug log. Make debugging a controlled maintenance task with a clear start and end.
How WPVitals uses this signal
WPVitals checks this setting locally and reports the result in the WordPress dashboard. The check is a maintenance signal, so review the site context before changing a setting and test the visitor experience afterwards.