How can a beginner avoid syntax errors like 'unexpected 'db_name' (T_STRING)' in PHP code?

To avoid syntax errors like 'unexpected 'db_name' (T_STRING)' in PHP code, beginners should ensure that they are correctly using quotes and concatenation when working with strings. In PHP, variables inside double quotes will be interpreted, while variables inside single quotes will be taken as literal strings. Therefore, when referencing variables, use double quotes or concatenate them properly to avoid syntax errors. Example:

$db_name = "my_database";

// Correct way to use the variable in a string
$query = "SELECT * FROM $db_name";
echo $query;