How can PHP developers ensure accurate data retrieval when working with MySQL variables?

When working with MySQL variables in PHP, developers can ensure accurate data retrieval by using prepared statements. Prepared statements help prevent SQL injection attacks and ensure that the data retrieved is accurate and safe to use in the application.

// Establish a connection to the MySQL database
$pdo = new PDO("mysql:host=localhost;dbname=mydatabase", "username", "password");

// Prepare a statement with a placeholder for the variable
$stmt = $pdo->prepare("SELECT * FROM mytable WHERE id = :id");

// Bind the variable to the placeholder
$stmt->bindParam(':id', $id, PDO::PARAM_INT);

// Execute the statement
$stmt->execute();

// Fetch the data
$data = $stmt->fetch(PDO::FETCH_ASSOC);