How can PHP beginners ensure proper file handling when retrieving files from a database for display?

PHP beginners can ensure proper file handling when retrieving files from a database for display by using appropriate functions to handle file streams, setting the correct headers for file types, and ensuring that the file paths are secure and valid.

// Retrieve file data from the database
$fileData = $row['file_data'];
$fileName = $row['file_name'];
$fileType = $row['file_type'];

// Set appropriate headers for file type
header("Content-type: $fileType");
header("Content-Disposition: inline; filename=$fileName");

// Output the file data
echo $fileData;