How can the md5() function be utilized to enhance security when comparing usernames and passwords in PHP login systems?

When storing passwords in a database for a PHP login system, it is important to hash the passwords using a secure algorithm like md5() to enhance security. This ensures that even if the database is compromised, the actual passwords are not easily accessible. When a user attempts to log in, the entered password can be hashed using md5() and compared to the hashed password stored in the database.

// Hashing the password before storing it in the database
$hashed_password = md5($password);

// Verifying the user-entered password during login
$user_input_password = md5($entered_password);

// Compare the hashed passwords
if($user_input_password === $hashed_password) {
    // Passwords match, allow login
} else {
    // Passwords do not match, deny login
}