How can a PHP developer efficiently transition from outdated code to more current practices?

Many PHP developers may find themselves working with outdated code that does not adhere to current best practices or standards. To efficiently transition to more current practices, developers can start by identifying the specific areas in the codebase that need to be updated. They can then gradually refactor the code, incorporating modern PHP features, design patterns, and security measures. Utilizing tools like PHP CodeSniffer and PHP Mess Detector can also help identify areas for improvement and ensure adherence to coding standards.

// Example code snippet demonstrating refactoring an outdated PHP function to use more current practices

// Outdated code
function oldFunction($param1, $param2) {
    return $param1 + $param2;
}

// Updated code using type declarations and returning a specific type
function newFunction(int $param1, int $param2): int {
    return $param1 + $param2;
}