How can PHP developers ensure consistent hashing results when using md5() for password encryption, especially when encountering unexpected changes in hash values?

When using md5() for password encryption in PHP, developers can ensure consistent hashing results by salting the passwords before hashing them. This involves adding a random string of characters to the password before hashing it, which ensures that even if the hashing algorithm changes or produces unexpected results, the hashed password will remain consistent. 

$password = 'password123';
$salt = 'random_salt_here';
$hashed_password = md5($salt . $password);

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PHP md5() password encryption consistent hashing hash values

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