# Installing and configuring the Error Log Monitor plugin for WordPress

> View PHP and WordPress errors from your dashboard with the Error Log Monitor plugin instead of checking server logs.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/wordpress/guides/installing-and-configuring-error-log-monitor-plugin-for-wordpress/

The **Error Log Monitor plugin** allows you to view PHP and WordPress errors directly from your WordPress dashboard. Instead of checking server logs manually, you can monitor issues in real time. On **ruachost.com**, this plugin is especially useful for developers customizing code or troubleshooting site problems.

## Why Use Error Log Monitor?

- Displays error logs directly in the WordPress admin dashboard.
- Helps identify problems caused by themes, plugins, or custom code.
- Eliminates the need to access server error logs manually.
- Provides a widget for quick monitoring.

## Steps to Install Error Log Monitor Plugin

1. **Log in to WordPress** with an administrator account.
2. In the dashboard, go to **Plugins → Add New**.
3. Search for **Error Log Monitor**.
4. Click **Install Now**, then **Activate**.
5. A new widget will appear in your WordPress dashboard for error monitoring.

## ⚙️ Configuring Error Log Monitor

1. Go to **Settings → Error Log Monitor**.
2. Click **Recommended Settings** to apply default configuration.
3. Open your WordPress installation folder and edit the **wp-config.php** file.
4. Add the following code to enable error logging:

   ```
   // Enable error logging
   @ini_set('log_errors', 'On');
   @ini_set('error_log', 'PATH-OF-YOUR-WORDPRESS-INSTALLATION/wp-content/elm-error-logs/php-errors.log');

   // Hide errors from site visitors
   @ini_set('display_errors', 'Off');
   if (!defined('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY')) {
       define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false);
   }
   ```

   - Replace `PATH-OF-YOUR-WORDPRESS-INSTALLATION` with the actual path to your WordPress site.
5. Save the file.
6. Return to your WordPress dashboard → You will now see error logs in the widget.

## Important Notes

- Always back up your site before editing `wp-config.php`.
- Do not expose error logs to visitors—keep them restricted to admin view.
- Regularly check logs to identify and fix issues promptly.
- This plugin is for monitoring only; you must manually fix errors it reports.