How can beginners effectively understand and interpret PHP functions and commands used in code snippets?

To effectively understand and interpret PHP functions and commands used in code snippets, beginners can start by reading the official PHP documentation to familiarize themselves with common functions and their syntax. They can also practice writing small code snippets and experimenting with different functions to see how they work. Additionally, utilizing online resources, forums, and tutorials can help clarify any confusion and provide examples of how functions are used in real-world scenarios.

<?php
// Example code snippet demonstrating the use of the strtoupper() function
$text = "hello world";
$uppercase_text = strtoupper($text);
echo $uppercase_text; // Output: HELLO WORLD
?>