How can a PHP beginner improve their understanding of executing shell commands through PHP scripts for web server management?

To improve understanding of executing shell commands through PHP scripts for web server management, beginners can start by learning about the `exec()` function in PHP. They should also familiarize themselves with the security implications of running shell commands from PHP scripts. Practice writing simple scripts that execute basic shell commands and gradually move on to more complex tasks.

<?php
// Execute a shell command to list files in a directory
$output = shell_exec('ls -l');
echo "<pre>$output</pre>";
?>