How can inconsistent use of quotation marks in SQL queries lead to errors in PHP code?

Inconsistent use of quotation marks in SQL queries can lead to syntax errors in PHP code because SQL queries require specific formatting with quotation marks for strings and identifiers. To avoid errors, always use consistent quotation marks in SQL queries by either using single quotes for strings and backticks for identifiers, or vice versa.

// Example of consistent use of quotation marks in SQL query
$query = "SELECT * FROM users WHERE username = 'john_doe'";
$result = mysqli_query($connection, $query);