How can PHP developers ensure proper variable initialization and handling to avoid unexpected errors like the one described in the forum thread?

Issue: PHP developers can ensure proper variable initialization and handling by always initializing variables before using them and checking for null or undefined values to avoid unexpected errors like the one described in the forum thread. Fix:

<?php
// Initialize variables
$var1 = null;
$var2 = 'some value';

// Check if variables are initialized and not null before using them
if(isset($var1) && isset($var2)) {
    // Perform operations with $var1 and $var2
    echo $var1 . ' ' . $var2;
} else {
    // Handle the case when variables are not properly initialized
    echo 'Variables not properly initialized';
}
?>