i'm using shared linux hosting, without shell access, and without the ability to restart the server. however, i can create php .ini files.

will i be able to use your free debugger?

This will not do. You need to restart/reload web server to make your php.ini settings in effect. If host does this for you, you will be able to use php debugger.

my host supports my own custom ini setttings. my host is configured to activate them without restart. this is not a problem.

but what about shell access? i don't have that.

thanks

if you have sftp or ftp, it's enough to upload debugger module to the server and once you can edit your php.ini, you can add a line like zend_extension=/path/to/dbg.so-5.2.x