How can beginners effectively use $_POST in PHP to process form data?

Beginners can effectively use $_POST in PHP to process form data by accessing the values submitted through the form using the $_POST superglobal array. They can then sanitize and validate the data before using it in their application. Finally, they can perform the necessary actions based on the form data.

<?php
if ($_SERVER["REQUEST_METHOD"] == "POST") {
    $username = $_POST["username"];
    $password = $_POST["password"];

    // Sanitize and validate the form data
    $username = htmlspecialchars($username);
    $password = htmlspecialchars($password);

    // Perform actions based on the form data
    // For example, check if the username and password are valid
}
?>