Understanding PHP Error Handling is crucial for developers striving to create robust applications. PHP offers a range of error handling techniques, including the traditional error_reporting() function, which allows developers to set the level of error reporting and effectively monitor issues in their code. Additionally, leveraging the try-catch blocks can greatly enhance your debugging capabilities. By enclosing your code within a try block, you can catch exceptions thrown during execution using the catch block, enabling you to handle errors gracefully and provide users with appropriate feedback.

To further improve your debugging process, consider implementing the following tips and tricks for debugging:

1. Enable error reporting: Make sure to set ini_set('display_errors', 1); and error_reporting(E_ALL); at the start of your script during development.
2. Use logging: Instead of displaying errors to users, log them using error_log() for a comprehensive review later.
3. Check PHP configuration: Verify your php.ini settings to ensure proper error handling is enabled.

When working with PHP, even experienced developers can encounter common bugs that can hinder performance and functionality. Understanding these issues not only aids in debugging but also improves coding practices. Here’s a list of the Top 10 Common PHP Bugs to help you identify and fix them effectively. From mismanaged variables to unexpected outputs, these bugs are frequent culprits in PHP development.

1. Undefined Variables: One of the most common bugs, it occurs when a variable is referenced before being initialized. To fix this, always initialize your variables before use.
2. Missing Semicolons: In PHP, forgetting to add a semicolon can result in syntax errors. Double-check your code for these tiny but crucial details.
3. Code Logic Errors: These arise from mistaken assumptions. Debugging and reviewing your logic flow can help identify these issues.

When it comes to PHP development, even seasoned developers can fall victim to common pitfalls that undermine the performance and security of their applications. One major mistake is failing to sanitize user input, which can lead to SQL injection attacks and other vulnerabilities. To avoid this, it's essential to implement prepared statements or use built-in PHP functions like filter_input() to validate and sanitize data. Don't underestimate the importance of security; a single oversight can compromise your entire system.

Another frequent error in PHP development is not following modern programming practices, such as not utilizing object-oriented programming (OOP) principles. Many developers still write procedural code, which can result in convoluted and unmanageable codebases. Adopting OOP practices not only enhances code reusability but also makes debugging easier. To become a more effective PHP developer, focus on mastering concepts like inheritance, encapsulation, and polymorphism to create cleaner, more efficient code.