How can developers effectively debug PHP code to identify and resolve issues related to syntax errors and unexpected characters?

To effectively debug PHP code for syntax errors and unexpected characters, developers can use tools like PHP's built-in error reporting functions, such as error_reporting(E_ALL) and ini_set('display_errors', 1), to display errors on the screen. Additionally, using a code editor with syntax highlighting can help identify syntax errors quickly. Developers should also carefully review their code for any unexpected characters, such as missing semicolons or parentheses, and use tools like PHP linters to check for syntax errors before running the code.

<?php
// Enable error reporting to display errors on the screen
error_reporting(E_ALL);
ini_set('display_errors', 1);

// Code snippet with syntax error
$name = "John"
echo "Hello, $name!"; // Missing semicolon

// Corrected code snippet
$name = "John";
echo "Hello, $name!";
?>