JetBrains released the stable version of PhpStorm 2025.1 this week with new AI features, PHPStan annotation code completion, debugging improvements, code completion for nested variables in .env
files, and more.

@phpstan-type
and @phpstan-import-type
(PhpStorm Blog)Here's the list of highlights from this release:
- PHPStan Annotation Support: Code completion now supports @phpstan-type and @phpstan-import-type, including array shape aliases.
- Nested Variables in .env Files: Enhanced support for environment variables using
${...}
syntax, with improved code completion, navigation, inspections, and quick fixes. - Xdebug Installation via CLI Interpreters: PhpStorm can detect if Xdebug is missing and offers an option to install it directly from the CLI Interpreters dialog.
- Official Xdebug Helper Extension: JetBrains now maintains the Xdebug Helper browser extension for Chrome and Firefox, ensuring reliable debugging tools.
- Search Markdown Files: You can now search within markdown previews
- Automatic WordPress Core Detection: PhpStorm attempts to automatically detect the path to the WordPress core during project startup, enabling framework support without manual configuration.
- AI Features: JetBrains AI Assistant is now available for free. It offers unlimited code completion and local model support, with credit-based access to other features.
- Work with Local AI Models: Use local models via Ollama or LM Studio for chat, code generation, commit messages, inline documentation, and more.
- Expanded AI Model Selection: Users can choose from advanced language models like Claude 3.7 Sonnet and Gemini 2.0 Flash for AI chat interactions.
- Improved Context Awareness: Enhanced understanding of code context in AI chat, providing more relevant and accurate assistance.
See JetBrains PhpStorm blog for a detailed look at What’s New in PhpStorm 2025.1.