How can the use of var_dump help in debugging PHP code, particularly when dealing with NULL values?

When dealing with NULL values in PHP code, it can sometimes be tricky to identify where the issue lies. Using var_dump can help by providing detailed information about the NULL value, such as its type and where it is being generated in the code. This can help pinpoint the source of the problem and facilitate debugging.

// Example code snippet demonstrating the use of var_dump to debug NULL values
$variable = NULL;

var_dump($variable);