How to make NetBeans IDE 9 work with PHP?

This solution for this question is similar to that for the question Netbeans 9 C++ Support. The details differ but the overall approach to follow is the same.

Step 1 of 2: Make PHP features available as plugins.

• Tools > Plugins > Settings tab > click the Add button.

• On the Update Center Customizer screen:

  • Enter some value in the Name field (e.g. "NetBeans PHP Plugin"),

  • Enter http://updates.netbeans.org/netbeans/updates/8.2/uc/final/distribution/catalog.xml.gz in the URL field

    

  • Click the OK button.

• This should create a new entry in the Configuration of Update Centers list in the Settings tab.
• Checking that new entry should instantly add plugins to the Available Plugins tab.

• Click the Available Plugins tab, then enter PHP in the Filter field to list the PHP plugins:

  

Step 2 of 2: Install the PHP plugins.

• Check the PHP plugins in the screen shot above that you want to install, and then click the Install button.
• Follow the wizard's instructions. The plugins will be downloaded and installed, and you will be required to restart NetBeans.

To confirm that the plugins have been been installed, click Tools > Options. You should see a new entry for PHP which allows you to configure it:

The wizards for creating PHP projects will now be available under File > New Project...

Notes:

• The use of PHP on NetBeans 9 is not officially supported, and it is done at your own risk.

• PHP is pre-installed on NetBeans 10, which will be released shortly. You can download a beta version of the latest Jenkins build of NetBeans 10 as a zip file which works on all platforms. You will need to activate PHP when you use the Project Wizard to create a PHP project for the first time: