How can PHP variables with spaces affect SQL queries and potentially lead to errors in database operations?

When using PHP variables with spaces in SQL queries, it can lead to syntax errors or unexpected behavior in database operations. To prevent this, it is recommended to properly escape or quote the variables before using them in the query. One way to do this is by using prepared statements with parameterized queries, which automatically handle the escaping of variables.

// Example of using prepared statements to prevent SQL injection
$pdo = new PDO("mysql:host=localhost;dbname=mydatabase", "username", "password");

$name = "John Doe"; // Variable with spaces

$stmt = $pdo->prepare("SELECT * FROM users WHERE name = :name");
$stmt->bindParam(':name', $name, PDO::PARAM_STR);
$stmt->execute();

while ($row = $stmt->fetch()) {
    // Process the results
}