How can PHP developers ensure proper data normalization when working with arrays in database columns?

When working with arrays in database columns, PHP developers can ensure proper data normalization by serializing the array before inserting it into the database and unserializing it when retrieving the data. This ensures that the array is stored as a string in the database and can be easily converted back to an array when needed.

// Serialize the array before inserting into the database
$array = [1, 2, 3];
$serializedArray = serialize($array);

// Insert $serializedArray into the database

// Retrieve the serialized array from the database
// Unserialize the array when needed
$retrievedArray = unserialize($serializedArray);