How can the absence of session_start() affect the functionality of PHP scripts that rely on session variables?

When session_start() is not called, session variables cannot be accessed or stored in the script, leading to errors or unexpected behavior in PHP scripts that rely on session variables. To solve this issue, make sure to include session_start() at the beginning of your PHP script to start or resume a session and enable the use of session variables.

<?php
session_start();

// Your PHP script code that relies on session variables
?>