How can PHP developers ensure that only authorized administrators have the ability to modify user data in a database?

To ensure that only authorized administrators can modify user data in a database, PHP developers can implement a role-based access control system. This system can check the user's role before allowing any modifications to user data. By assigning specific roles to administrators and verifying their role before performing any database operations, developers can restrict access to sensitive data effectively.

// Check if the user is an administrator before allowing modifications to user data
if($_SESSION['role'] == 'administrator'){
    // Code to modify user data in the database
    // Example: UPDATE users SET username = 'new_username' WHERE id = 1;
} else {
    echo "Unauthorized access";
}