How can variable naming conventions impact the readability and maintainability of PHP code?

Variable naming conventions impact the readability and maintainability of PHP code by making it easier for developers to understand the purpose of each variable. Consistent naming conventions help create a more organized and structured codebase, making it simpler to navigate and update in the future. By following a standard naming convention, such as using camelCase or snake_case, developers can quickly identify the type and purpose of each variable, improving code clarity.

// Bad variable naming example
$var1 = 'John';
$var2 = 'Doe';

// Good variable naming example
$firstName = 'John';
$lastName = 'Doe';