NetBeans 12.2 not connecting to Xdebug version 3 - netbeans

Question

Got a problem I need to get working. I'm having difficulty getting NetBeans 12.2 to connect to Xdebug. When I try to debug I get the dreaded "Waiting For Connection (netbeans-xdebug)" which never connects. I'm running the following:
PHP version 8.0.2
Apache 2.4.46
Xdebug 3.0.3
I've read some of the other threads e.g.
netbeans shows "Waiting For Connection (netbeans-xdebug)"
Netbeans waiting for connection to XDEBUG
but they are for older versions of Xdebug and the solutions don't seem to work/commands are not the same. Having read the documentation and reading a solution in another threat my php.ini file has this at the end:
[xdebug]
zend_extension = C:\xampp\php\ext\php_xdebug-3.0.3-8.0-vs16-x86_64.dll
xdebug.client_port = 9003
xdebug.remote_handler = "dbgp"
xdebug.client_host = "localhost"
xdebug.mode=debug
xdebug.start_with_request=yes
When I click debug and run netstat I can see port 9003 is listening, but for some reason this just won't connect. I need this for work so I'm hoping someone can help a noob out? Best regards.

Answer 1

I had the same problem, and these are the steps how i solved it:
I reinstalled XAMPP, because I ruined my php.ini file due to configurate it too many times.
Then I followed the steps from the Xdebug homepage. You can overread it fast if you don't focus.
2.1 Download the .dll File and place it in your "Xampp/php extension directory" (C:\xampp\php\ext)
2.2 Name it to: "php_xdebug.dll"
2.3 Open the php.ini File (C:\xampp\php\php.ini)
2.4 Implement following line: "zend_extension = xdebug"
Note: I don't know if the order is important but for just in case put this Line under the following line: ";extension=shmop"
2.5 Activate the step debugger with implementing following lines:
"xdebug.mode=debug" (tells that
"xdebug.start_with_request=default"
Note: Here the same, put these lines under the following line: "extension=php_ftp.dll" (You can search for it, with the right editor)
Now you are finished with the php.ini file and can start with the Netbeans configuration.
The debug configuration in Netbeans (Tools > Options > PHP > Debugging):
Netbeans configuration
The project properties in Netbeans (right-click on project > properties):
Sources
For Source and Project Folder I entered the same directory, in this case my Project.
(right-click on project > properties > Run Configuration):
Run Configuration
Links:
https://xdebug.org/docs/step_debug
https://xdebug.org/wizard
My PHP xdebug config:
myphpinfo() - xdebug_config
Note: Step Debugger has to be enabled
PS: I tested this config. with PHP-8 and xdebug-3 and as "localhost" on Windows 10. It doesn't work for older versions!
I hope it solves your problem, i would be happy about a feedback!

Answer 2

There can be many reasons:
1.Missing php ini config
xdebug.idekey=netbeans-xdebug (or the value from netbeans settings - Session Id)
~ I think that form a specific version of netbeans 12.* this has been removed, but still you can give it a try
try to configure the path mapping
Map the xamp simulated server path to the real path on your computer
To see your server path you could try to do a var_dump($_SERVER['DOCUMENT_ROOT').
It must be written as in linux format using '/' sepparator.
3.Optional If you are debugging with chrome check if the netbeans connector addon is enabled. Try to debug also with other browsers like firefox or edge to see if there is a difference.