How can PHP developers ensure that session variables are properly initialized and maintained across multiple files?

PHP developers can ensure that session variables are properly initialized and maintained across multiple files by starting the session at the beginning of each file using session_start(). This function must be called before any output is sent to the browser. It is also important to make sure that session variables are set and accessed using the $_SESSION superglobal array.

<?php
// File 1: initialize_session.php
session_start();
$_SESSION['user_id'] = 123;

// File 2: access_session.php
session_start();
echo $_SESSION['user_id'];
?>