PhpStorm Usage Now Visible on LinkedIn
JetBrains has released a free LinkedIn Connected Apps plugin that lets PhpStorm users surface their real-world IDE experience directly on their LinkedIn profile. If you spend your days building Laravel applications in PhpStorm, this gives you a concrete way to show that — automatically, without filling out another self-reported skills section.
JetBrains joins early LinkedIn Connected Apps partners including Descript, Duolingo, Lovable, Relay.app, and Replit.
How the Plugin Works
Once installed, the plugin monitors how you interact with the IDE. It looks at patterns across:
- Code editing
- Debugging sessions
- Version control workflows
- AI-assisted features
From those patterns it generates a usage statement that is attached to your LinkedIn profile as a badge. The badge updates automatically as your usage evolves, so it stays current without any manual effort.
The plugin is supported across the full JetBrains family: IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, WebStorm, PhpStorm, Rider, GoLand, CLion, RustRover, and RubyMine. DataGrip support is planned for a future release later in 2026.
What the Badge Actually Means
It is worth being clear about what this badge is and what it is not. JetBrains states explicitly that the system is "designed to represent your practical use of JetBrains tools, not to rank developers or certify skill levels."
The badge is a usage signal, not a certification or a test result. It says you use the debugger — not that you are an expert debugger. Think of it the same way you would read "5 years with Laravel" on a resume: it tells you something real, but it is not a benchmark.
Early community reaction has been mixed, largely because of this misunderstanding. Once you frame it correctly — as a verified activity indicator rather than a skill score — the value proposition becomes clearer.
Your Data and Privacy
JetBrains says IDE usage data stays on your local machine. Only the information required for your connected account and your usage statement is shared with LinkedIn and JetBrains. Detection happens inside the IDE itself, which means usage from external AI tools or terminal sessions is not captured at this time.
Important: the plugin must remain installed to continue tracking and updating your profile.
How to Set It Up
1. Open your JetBrains IDE (e.g., PhpStorm).
2. Navigate to Settings → Plugins.
3. Search the Marketplace for "LinkedIn Connected Apps" and install it.
4. Allow the plugin to collect local usage data.
5. Connect your LinkedIn account to publish your badge.
No configuration beyond installation is required to get started.
What's Coming Next
A follow-up version is planned for later in 2026 with improved representation of AI-assisted workflows and DataGrip support.
Key Takeaways
- The LinkedIn Connected Apps plugin for PhpStorm is free and available in the JetBrains Marketplace now.
- It tracks real IDE usage patterns and generates an auto-updating LinkedIn badge.
- The badge represents usage, not skill level or certification.
- Usage data stays on your machine; only the summary statement is shared.
- Supported IDEs include PhpStorm, WebStorm, IntelliJ IDEA, Rider, GoLand, and more.
- DataGrip support and better AI feature tracking are coming later in 2026.
Source: Showcase Your PhpStorm Expertise on LinkedIn — Laravel News
