How can PHP developers handle errors when connecting to an MS-SQL server using mssql_connect?

When connecting to an MS-SQL server using mssql_connect in PHP, errors can be handled by checking the return value of the function. If the connection fails, mssql_connect will return false, and developers can use this information to handle the error appropriately, such as displaying an error message or logging the issue.

$conn = mssql_connect($server, $username, $password);

if (!$conn) {
    die('Connection to MS-SQL server failed: ' . mssql_get_last_message());
}

// Continue with database operations using the established connection