How can PHP developers ensure data integrity and prevent SQL injection when processing form input for database insertion?

To ensure data integrity and prevent SQL injection when processing form input for database insertion, PHP developers can utilize prepared statements with parameterized queries. This approach separates the SQL query logic from the user input, preventing malicious SQL injection attacks by treating user input as data rather than executable code.

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

// Prepare a SQL statement with placeholders for user input
$stmt = $pdo->prepare("INSERT INTO users (username, email) VALUES (:username, :email)");

// Bind the user input to the placeholders
$stmt->bindParam(':username', $_POST['username']);
$stmt->bindParam(':email', $_POST['email']);

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