Are there any specific PHP functions or libraries recommended for handling user authentication and session management in web applications?

When it comes to handling user authentication and session management in web applications, it is recommended to use PHP's built-in session handling functions such as session_start(), session_regenerate_id(), and session_destroy(). Additionally, using password hashing functions like password_hash() and password_verify() can help securely store and verify user passwords.

// Start the session
session_start();

// Set session variables
$_SESSION['user_id'] = $user_id;

// Regenerate session ID to prevent session fixation attacks
session_regenerate_id();

// Destroy the session and log the user out
session_destroy();