How can PHP developers ensure proper input validation and error handling in their code?

To ensure proper input validation and error handling in PHP code, developers should use functions like `filter_input()` or `filter_var()` to sanitize and validate user input. Additionally, they should implement try-catch blocks to handle exceptions and errors gracefully. By validating input and handling errors effectively, developers can prevent security vulnerabilities and improve the overall reliability of their code.

// Example of input validation and error handling in PHP

// Validate and sanitize user input
$username = filter_input(INPUT_POST, 'username', FILTER_SANITIZE_STRING);

try {
    // Code that may throw exceptions or errors
    if (empty($username)) {
        throw new Exception('Username is required.');
    }

    // Process the validated input
    echo "Welcome, $username!";
} catch (Exception $e) {
    // Handle exceptions and errors
    echo "An error occurred: " . $e->getMessage();
}