Nextcloud Server version (e.g., 29.x.x):
34.0.1
Operating system and version (e.g., Ubuntu 24.04):
Debian 13.5
Web server and version (e.g, Apache 2.4.25):
Apache/2.4.67
Reverse proxy and version _(e.g. nginx 1.27.2)
-
PHP version (e.g, 8.3):
8.4.21
Is this the first time you’ve seen this error? (Yes / No):
yes
When did this problem seem to first start?
today
Installation method (e.g. AlO, NCP, Bare Metal/Archive, etc.)
debian repos
Are you using CloudfIare, mod_security, or similar? (Yes / No)
no
Summary of the issue you are facing:
I want to start again (from almost scratch, after decades with programming, namely of a small nextcloud-app, including php, py and js. Can you recommend an IDE? (Yes, I can vi - but I prefer graphical/windowed view.)
I have been looking for advice, but only found very general answers (like “it depends…”) - or detailed, but outdated information (like “use KDevelop with xdebug”)
Configuration
(apart from the above list) local debian 13.5, KDE-Plasma 6.3.6
First, there are options depending on the OS you are using. Some apps are multi-OS, some are primary used on Linux or Mac for example. Next, some editors are multi-language (e.g. using plugins in VS code), others are primarily for some languages (e.g. main usage PHP). Finally, your personal preferences are important (e.g. some users prefer pure FOSS editors etc.).
I personally prefer VS code. But this is just personal preference. If you want to use AI intensively, I play around with opencode and codium/windsurf at the moment. But as I said, this is personal preference.
You might want to check if the IDE can serve your purposes. For example, I use PHP step debugging both with unit tests and in the NC installation (using Julius’ docker setup) to track down issues and learn about the internals of the server. There I found a way to get VS code running smoothly. I was happy with this and did not question it further.
I would say: Use the editor you feel comfortable with. The editor should not put a burden on you but help you in your daily tasks.
Some ideas:
VS Code
JetBrains Intellij / PHPStorm / WebStorm
Kate/Kwrite
Sublime
Atom
Eclipse
NetBeans
XCode
Cursor
Windsurf
…
Just use Google and look at the Debian packages that might be installable. Sorry, I cannot give you better advice here as I do not know your personal preferences.
In the meantime, I’ve set up XDebug on the server, and VSCodium on my client, which seems quite straightforward…
Thx again for your hint to opencode, and windsurf. “Playing around” with AI is a good idea! - But first (sorry for a newbies silly question): What is “Julius’ docker setup”?
Just do not overdue it. AI is tempting to getting lazy. Keep thinking and understanding!
A completely local installation of every piece of software you can think of to test against. I use it heavily and I think half of the NC company as well. (well Julius is company employee).
Julius’ would be overkill, I think - but I keep it in mind.
Do you know of any short intro on how to “use PHP step debugging both with unit tests and in the NC installation to track down issues and learn about the internals of the server” (dare to ask because to me it seems a standard issue, in app development).
As you think. You do not need to go all in. Just DB+reverse proxy+web server is perfectly fine.
Well, you said, you have xdebug already ready. So, you can use that (with appropriate breakpoints) if you want to understand the internal processes.
The unit testing part, I made up myself. I have the unit tests in a docker container setup in the cookbook app that implies some more setup to run them and to dig into the tests. Apart from that, you just set an env variable if I am correct.
with programming, namely of a small nextcloud-app, including php, py and js. Can you recommend an IDE? (Yes, I can vi - but I prefer graphical/windowed view.)