Health Check is also important for websites and WordPress has had this feature since the 5.2 version that’ll show you essential information about your WordPress installation that can help you identify further issues or prevent hacker attacks. When you activate the Health Check & Troubleshooting plugin, you’ll see the tools tab. However, note that developers plan to make this a standalone plugin in the future. The tools tab is present when the plugin is activated, but keep in mind that it’ll be a standalone plugin in the future.
Overview
- Installing the Health Check & Troubleshooting plugin
- Tools options
2.1 File Integrity
2.2 Mail Check
2.3 Debug Logs
2.4 Plugin Compatibility
2.5 PHP Info
2.6 .htaccess Viewer
2.7 robots.txt Viewer
2.8 Beta Features - Expert Tips for Health Check Tools
Installing the Health Check Troubleshooting plugin
The WordPress community develops the Health Check & Troubleshooting plugin, offering it for free. You can find how to find and download it from this post’s section: Using the Health Check & Troubleshooting Plugin.
Tools Options
Developers will likely add more tools in future versions, but you can already find useful ones under the WordPress Dashboard > Tools > Site Health > Tools tab.
File Integrity
File integrity checking is a crucial security measure that ensures your WordPress core files haven’t been tampered with. This tool compares your installation’s files against the official WordPress repository.
If discrepancies are found, investigate further. Some differences might be due to custom configurations, but others could indicate a security breach.
Mail Check
Proper email configuration is essential for notifications, password resets, and other critical site functions. The Mail Check tool helps verify that your WordPress site can send emails correctly.
If the test fails, check your PHP mail configuration, consider using an SMTP plugin, or consult your hosting provider for assistance.
Debug Logs
Debug logs are invaluable for troubleshooting WordPress issues. They record errors, warnings, and other important information about your site’s operation. Enable the WP_DEBUG_LOG on wp-config.php file
define( 'WP_DEBUG_LOG', true );Use this information to identify and resolve issues, or share it with developers when seeking support.
Plugin Compatibility
Plugin conflicts can cause various issues on your site. The Plugin Compatibility Checker helps identify potential conflicts between your installed plugins by checking if you’re satisfying the minimum PHP and latest version.
PHP Info
PHP Info provides detailed information about your server’s PHP configuration, which is crucial for WordPress performance and compatibility.
Use this information to ensure your setup meets WordPress requirements and to troubleshoot compatibility issues.
htaccess Viewer
The .htaccess file controls various aspects of your site’s functionality and security. The htaccess Viewer allows you to safely inspect this file and ensure nothing there is causing issues on your site.
robots.txt Viewer
The robots.txt file guides search engine crawlers on how to interact with your site. The robots.txt Viewer helps you inspect and manage this file.
Beta Features
Beta features offer a glimpse into upcoming WordPress functionalities. While exciting, remember that these features are still in the testing phases.
Expert Tips for Health Check Tools
- Run regular health checks, ideally weekly or after major site changes.
- Keep detailed records of your health checks to track your site’s performance over time.
- Act promptly on any issues identified by the tools.
- Stay updated on WordPress’s best practices and security measures.