How can PHP developers ensure that the data loaded from a database table is securely handled and displayed in the form fields?

PHP developers can ensure that the data loaded from a database table is securely handled and displayed in form fields by using prepared statements to prevent SQL injection attacks. Additionally, they can sanitize the data using functions like htmlspecialchars() to prevent cross-site scripting attacks. By validating and sanitizing the data before displaying it in form fields, developers can enhance the security of their application.

// Assume $conn is the database connection object

$stmt = $conn->prepare("SELECT * FROM users WHERE id = ?");
$stmt->bind_param("i", $userId);

$userId = $_GET['id']; // Assuming the user ID is passed via GET parameter

$stmt->execute();
$result = $stmt->get_result();

$userData = $result->fetch_assoc();

// Display the data in form fields
<input type="text" name="username" value="<?php echo htmlspecialchars($userData['username']); ?>">
<input type="email" name="email" value="<?php echo htmlspecialchars($userData['email']); ?>">