Debugging in PHP is an essential skill for developers to ensure that their code runs smoothly and efficiently. One of the most effective techniques for troubleshooting errors is to utilize var_dump(), a built-in PHP function that displays structured information about any variable. It’s especially useful for understanding complex data structures like arrays and objects. Additionally, employing the error_reporting() function allows developers to control the level of error reporting, which can be crucial in a production environment. For comprehensive debugging, integrating a debugger like Xdebug can provide stack traces and profiling capabilities, which help isolate issues quickly.

Another powerful technique is to implement logging in your applications. By writing error messages to a log file using error_log(), you can track issues that arise in different environments without affecting user experience. To further enhance your debugging process, consider utilizing PHPStorm or other IDEs with built-in debugging tools. These Integrated Development Environments offer features such as breakpoints and variable inspection, allowing for more efficient code debugging. Remember, adopting a systematic approach to debugging not only saves time but also improves code quality, making Debugging Techniques in PHP an invaluable resource for any developer.

When it comes to effective PHP development, identifying and fixing bugs is crucial for ensuring software stability and performance. A variety of tools are available to assist developers in this process. Some of the top PHP development tools include:

1. Xdebug: A powerful debugging tool that provides stack traces and function traces, allowing developers to track down issues in the code efficiently.
2. PHPStorm: This integrated development environment (IDE) comes with built-in support for debugging and offers features like code quality analysis, making it easier to spot potential bugs early.
3. PHP_CodeSniffer: This tool helps maintain coding standards and detects potential issues or bugs within the code, thereby enhancing code quality.

In addition to these tools, leveraging version control systems like Git can significantly aid in bug identification and resolution by allowing developers to track changes and revert to previous versions if a bug is introduced. On the other hand, employing testing frameworks such as PHPUnit can facilitate automated testing processes, helping developers catch bugs early in the development cycle. Combining these resources can lead to a more efficient workflow and ultimately result in higher-quality PHP applications.

Common PHP bugs can hinder your development process, leading to ineffective code and lost productivity. One prevalent issue is the notorious 'Undefined Variable' notice, which occurs when a script attempts to access a variable that hasn't been defined yet. To prevent this, always initialize your variables before use or utilize the isset() function to check for variable existence. Another common pitfall is failing to handle database connections properly, which can result in critical failure of your application. Always employ mysqli_connect_error() or similar functions to verify that your database connections are established correctly.

To effectively resolve these PHP bugs, employing a systematic debugging approach is essential. Use tools like Xdebug to analyze your code and identify problematic areas. Utilize error reporting by enabling it in your PHP configuration file with error_reporting(E_ALL); and ini_set('display_errors', 1);. Additionally, adopting best practices like implementing try-catch blocks can help you gracefully manage exceptions and improve the reliability of your application. Regular code reviews and utilizing version control can also aid in preventing bugs before they arise, creating a robust development cycle.