1) To be Ready
2) install firebug
3) install xampp 1.7.3 or install xampp 1.7.4
4) xdebug php.ini and httpd.conf
5) eclipse PHP or install aptana studio
6) new PHP project
7) configure external web browser
8) setting PHP debug parameters
9) set a debug configuration for PHP debug
10) install aptana plugin (if you have installed aptana studio go to the next post)
11) setting aptana parameters
12) set a debug configuration for aptana
13) a bit more but very useful