How can PHP developers ensure the security of their scripts when handling user input in forms, especially when switching from mysql to mysqli?

PHP developers can ensure the security of their scripts when handling user input in forms by using prepared statements with parameterized queries in mysqli instead of directly inserting user input into SQL queries. This helps prevent SQL injection attacks by separating the SQL logic from the user input. Developers should also sanitize and validate user input before processing it to prevent other types of attacks.

// Establish database connection
$mysqli = new mysqli("localhost", "username", "password", "database");

// Check connection
if ($mysqli->connect_error) {
    die("Connection failed: " . $mysqli->connect_error);
}

// Prepare a SQL statement with a parameterized query
$stmt = $mysqli->prepare("INSERT INTO users (username, email) VALUES (?, ?)");

// Bind parameters to the prepared statement
$stmt->bind_param("ss", $username, $email);

// Sanitize and validate user input
$username = filter_var($_POST['username'], FILTER_SANITIZE_STRING);
$email = filter_var($_POST['email'], FILTER_VALIDATE_EMAIL);

// Execute the prepared statement
$stmt->execute();

// Close the statement and connection
$stmt->close();
$mysqli->close();