How can PHP variables be properly accessed and utilized when including external PHP files?
When including external PHP files, it is important to ensure that any variables needed from the parent file are properly accessed within the included file. This can be achieved by using the global keyword to access the variables in the included file. By declaring the variables as global within the included file, they can be accessed and utilized as needed.
// parent_file.php
$variable = "Hello, World!";
include 'external_file.php';
// external_file.php
global $variable;
echo $variable; // Output: Hello, World!