Are there any recommended methods for securely storing and comparing passwords in a PHP application like a Shoutbox?

To securely store and compare passwords in a PHP application like a Shoutbox, it is recommended to use password hashing functions provided by PHP, such as `password_hash()` and `password_verify()`. These functions help securely hash passwords before storing them in a database and compare hashed passwords during authentication, protecting user passwords from being exposed in case of a data breach.

// Storing a password securely
$password = 'user_password';
$hashed_password = password_hash($password, PASSWORD_DEFAULT);
// Store $hashed_password in the database

// Comparing a password securely
$user_input_password = 'user_input_password';
$stored_hashed_password = 'retrieved_hashed_password_from_database';

if (password_verify($user_input_password, $stored_hashed_password)) {
    // Passwords match
    echo 'Password is correct';
} else {
    // Passwords do not match
    echo 'Password is incorrect';
}