Configure Intellij to debug php scripts running on a virtual machine using xdebug

intellij-xdebug-virtual-machine.txt

# Configure intellij by adding new PHP Server
IntelliJ IDEA -> Preferences -> PHP -> Servers

# Configure Intellij by adding new Run/Debug Configuration
Add new 'PHP Web Application' and select the server name created above.

# Run from host to forward 9000 out of virtual machine back to host listener.
ssh -p 2222 [email protected] -R 9000:localhost:9000

# Edit xdebug configuration in virtual machine
sudo vi /etc/php5/conf.d/20-xdebug.ini

# Add lines:
xdebug.remote_enable = On
xdebug.remote_connect_back = On
xdebug.remote_log = /tmp/xdebug.log

# Restart apache in virtual machine
sudo apachectl restart

# Verify apache is listening to 80
sudo netstat -plnt