How can the context switch between session variables and query parameters be properly handled in PHP to avoid errors?

When switching between session variables and query parameters in PHP, it's important to check if the variable exists in both contexts before using it to avoid errors. One way to handle this is by using conditional statements to prioritize one over the other based on availability. By checking for the variable in session first, then falling back to query parameters if not found, you can ensure a smooth transition between the two contexts without causing errors.

// Check if the variable exists in session
if(isset($_SESSION['variable_name'])){
    $variable = $_SESSION['variable_name'];
} 
// If not found in session, check query parameters
elseif(isset($_GET['variable_name'])){
    $variable = $_GET['variable_name'];
} 
// Handle case when variable is not found in either session or query parameters
else {
    $variable = null;
}

// Now you can safely use the $variable without causing errors
echo $variable;