How can PHP developers ensure proper file deletion and avoid errors when using the unlink function?

When using the unlink function in PHP to delete files, developers should first check if the file exists before attempting to delete it. This can help avoid errors that may occur if the file does not exist or if the file is not writable. Additionally, developers should handle any potential errors that may arise during the deletion process to ensure proper file deletion.

$file_path = 'path/to/file.txt';

if(file_exists($file_path)) {
    if(unlink($file_path)) {
        echo "File deleted successfully.";
    } else {
        echo "Error deleting file.";
    }
} else {
    echo "File does not exist.";
}