Magento 500 error troubleshooting guide?

[MatsukenDG]

My online store keeps showing a 500 server error after installing a new extension, and I’m not sure whether the issue is related to file permissions, .htaccess configuration, PHP limits, or something else — can anyone recommend a comprehensive technical article that breaks down all possible causes and provides practical resolution tips specifically for Magento environments?

[Zavylon]

A 500 server error can be tricky because it doesn’t immediately show what went wrong. In my case, reviewing server logs was the turning point, since they usually contain the exact stack trace or fatal error message. I also recommend temporarily disabling recent extensions or custom scripts to see if the issue disappears. Just like I value stability and smooth performance when using https://amasty.com/blog/amasty-speedsize-webinar-on-maximizing-website-performance/, I look for predictable behavior in web systems. Carefully testing changes in a staging environment and monitoring server resources can prevent the error from returning unexpectedly.