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PhpStorm PHPUnit Setup
Run PHPUnit from PhpStorm using the project’s Composer-installed binary and configuration.
Prefer Composer’s PHPUnit
Use vendor/bin/phpunit (or the project’s documented script) rather than a globally installed older PHPUnit. Point PhpStorm’s test framework configuration at the project autoload and phpunit.xml / phpunit.xml.dist.
Working directory and bootstrap
Set the working directory to the Composer root so relative paths in configuration files resolve. If bootstrap files assume a web SAPI, keep those assumptions out of unit tests or document the required env vars.
Debugging tests
Attach Xdebug to the same interpreter used for PHPUnit. Start with a single test method before enabling coverage or parallel runners that complicate path mapping.
CI parity
Mirror PhpStorm’s command in Composer scripts so CI remains authoritative. The IDE should be a convenience launcher, not a second unofficial test definition.
Verification and maintenance
PhpStorm PHPUnit Setup was reviewed for this seed on 2026-08-09. Confirm current releases and extension publishers through PHPUnit Documentation before adopting recommendations.
Related tools
- Composer.json Validator Validate composer.json structure and common mistakes without running composer install.
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- PHP Modernization Roadmap Build an ordered migration stage list from your PHP version, framework, Composer, database API, and deploymen…
- PHP Version Compatibility Checker Scan pasted PHP for version-sensitive syntax and APIs to plan upgrades across PHP releases.
Related reading
- Best PHP IDEs and Editors in 2026 A requirements-led shortlist of current PHP IDEs and editors, with conservative feature claims.
- Best Free PHP IDEs and Editors Compare genuinely useful no-cost PHP environments without treating plugin-based support as built in.
- PHP IDEs for Windows Current Windows PHP choices for native, WSL, Docker, and remote workflows.
- PHP IDEs for Linux Choose a PHP environment for local Linux, containers, SSH servers, and low-resource desktops.
- PHP IDEs for macOS Select a PHP editor on macOS with attention to Apple Silicon, local runtimes, containers, and remote work.