How can PHP beginners avoid common pitfalls when including files and working with file paths in their scripts?

Beginners can avoid common pitfalls when including files and working with file paths in PHP scripts by using the correct path syntax and ensuring that files are included relative to the current script location. It is important to use the correct directory separator for the operating system being used and to avoid using absolute paths whenever possible. Additionally, using PHP's magic constants like __DIR__ can help ensure that files are included correctly regardless of the script's location.

// Example of including a file using the correct path syntax and __DIR__ magic constant
include __DIR__ . '/includes/config.php';