How can PHP developers prevent data loss for users when input validation fails during an online checkout process?

When input validation fails during an online checkout process, PHP developers can prevent data loss for users by implementing client-side validation using JavaScript. This way, users can receive immediate feedback on their input before submitting the form to the server. Additionally, developers can store the user's input in session variables and repopulate the form fields with the stored data when the page is reloaded after failed validation.

<?php
session_start();

// Check if form is submitted
if ($_SERVER["REQUEST_METHOD"] == "POST") {
    // Validate input data
    // If validation fails, store user input in session variables
    $_SESSION['name'] = $_POST['name'];
    $_SESSION['email'] = $_POST['email'];
    // Redirect back to the checkout page
    header("Location: checkout.php");
    exit();
}

// Repopulate form fields with stored data
$name = isset($_SESSION['name']) ? $_SESSION['name'] : '';
$email = isset($_SESSION['email']) ? $_SESSION['email'] : '';
?>

<form method="post" action="<?php echo $_SERVER['PHP_SELF']; ?>">
    <input type="text" name="name" value="<?php echo $name; ?>" placeholder="Name">
    <input type="email" name="email" value="<?php echo $email; ?>" placeholder="Email">
    <button type="submit">Submit</button>
</form>