How can a beginner effectively troubleshoot and debug PHP scripts, especially when encountering syntax errors?

When encountering syntax errors in PHP scripts as a beginner, it is important to carefully review the error message provided by the interpreter, as it often points to the specific line and character where the issue occurs. Common syntax errors include missing semicolons, parentheses, or curly braces. To effectively troubleshoot and debug, start by checking the syntax of the line indicated in the error message and then work your way through the code to identify and fix any other potential errors.

// Example PHP code snippet with a syntax error (missing semicolon)
$name = "John"
echo "Hello, $name!";
```

```php
// Corrected PHP code snippet
$name = "John";
echo "Hello, $name!";