How can HTML forms be utilized effectively in PHP to handle user input and avoid issues related to STDIN?

When handling user input in PHP, using HTML forms is a common and effective method to gather data from users. This approach allows users to input data through a user-friendly interface, which is then sent to the server for processing. By utilizing HTML forms, developers can avoid the complexities and limitations associated with using STDIN to collect user input.

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

    // Process the user input as needed
}
?>

<form method="post" action="<?php echo htmlspecialchars($_SERVER["PHP_SELF"]); ?>">
    <label for="username">Username:</label>
    <input type="text" id="username" name="username"><br><br>
    
    <label for="password">Password:</label>
    <input type="password" id="password" name="password"><br><br>
    
    <input type="submit" value="Submit">
</form>