How can the session management in the user_online.php file be improved to optimize performance and security?

The session management in the user_online.php file can be improved by implementing session garbage collection to remove expired sessions and by using secure session handling techniques to prevent session hijacking. This can help optimize performance by reducing the number of active sessions and enhance security by minimizing the risk of unauthorized access.

// Start session
session_start();

// Set session expiration time
$session_expiration = 3600; // 1 hour

// Check if session is expired
if (isset($_SESSION['last_activity']) && (time() - $_SESSION['last_activity'] > $session_expiration)) {
    // Expire session
    session_unset();
    session_destroy();
    header("Location: login.php");
    exit;
}

// Update last activity time
$_SESSION['last_activity'] = time();