How can PHP developers improve their debugging process when encountering issues with database operations?

When encountering issues with database operations in PHP, developers can improve their debugging process by using error handling techniques such as try-catch blocks and displaying detailed error messages. They can also utilize logging mechanisms to track the flow of data and identify any potential bugs in the code.

try {
    // Database connection code
    $conn = new PDO("mysql:host=localhost;dbname=myDB", $username, $password);
    $conn->setAttribute(PDO::ATTR_ERRMODE, PDO::ERRMODE_EXCEPTION);
    
    // Database query code
    $stmt = $conn->prepare("SELECT * FROM users WHERE id = :id");
    $stmt->bindParam(':id', $id);
    $stmt->execute();
    
    // Fetching data from the database
    $user = $stmt->fetch(PDO::FETCH_ASSOC);
    
} catch(PDOException $e) {
    echo "Error: " . $e->getMessage();
    // Log error message to a file or system log
}