How can error_reporting in PHP help identify issues like incorrect variable usage?

Error_reporting in PHP can help identify issues like incorrect variable usage by displaying warnings or errors when variables are used incorrectly, such as trying to access a variable that has not been defined or using a variable with the wrong data type. By setting error_reporting to a level that includes notices and warnings, developers can catch these issues early on and fix them before they cause bigger problems in the code.

// Set error reporting to display notices and warnings
error_reporting(E_ALL);

// Example of incorrect variable usage
$number = 10;
echo $undefinedVariable; // This will trigger a notice because $undefinedVariable is not defined