How can server settings, such as session_lifetime in php.ini, affect PHP sessions?

Server settings like session_lifetime in php.ini can directly affect PHP sessions by determining how long a session remains active before expiring. If the session lifetime is set too short, users may be frequently logged out, causing frustration. Conversely, if it is set too long, it can pose a security risk. It is important to strike a balance between usability and security when configuring session settings.

// Set the session lifetime to 30 minutes
ini_set('session.gc_maxlifetime', 1800);