How can hidden fields be effectively used in PHP forms to pass essential parameters like page numbers?

Hidden fields can be effectively used in PHP forms to pass essential parameters like page numbers by including them in the form as hidden input fields. This allows the parameters to be submitted along with the form data without being visible to the user. By setting the value of the hidden field to the desired parameter (such as the page number), the PHP script handling the form submission can access and utilize these parameters as needed.

<form action="process_form.php" method="post">
  <input type="hidden" name="page_number" value="2">
  <!-- Other form fields here -->
  <input type="submit" value="Submit">
</form>