How can sensitive values, such as user registration constants, be securely stored and managed in a PHP application?

Sensitive values, such as user registration constants, should be securely stored and managed in a PHP application by using environment variables or a configuration file outside of the web root directory. This helps prevent exposure of sensitive data through source code leaks or unauthorized access. Additionally, utilizing encryption techniques for storing sensitive values can add an extra layer of security.

// Store sensitive values in environment variables
define('DB_HOST', getenv('DB_HOST'));
define('DB_USER', getenv('DB_USER'));
define('DB_PASS', getenv('DB_PASS'));
define('DB_NAME', getenv('DB_NAME'));

// Alternatively, store sensitive values in a configuration file outside of the web root directory
$config = parse_ini_file('/path/to/config.ini');
define('DB_HOST', $config['DB_HOST']);
define('DB_USER', $config['DB_USER']);
define('DB_PASS', $config['DB_PASS']);
define('DB_NAME', $config['DB_NAME']);