How can the var_dump function be utilized to debug PHP code effectively?

To effectively debug PHP code, the var_dump function can be used to display the type and value of a variable at a specific point in the code. This can help identify the source of errors or unexpected behavior by providing insight into the data being processed. By strategically placing var_dump statements throughout the code, developers can track the flow of variables and values, making it easier to pinpoint and resolve issues.

// Example code snippet demonstrating the use of var_dump for debugging
$variable1 = "Hello";
$variable2 = 123;
$variable3 = [1, 2, 3];

var_dump($variable1);
var_dump($variable2);
var_dump($variable3);