How important is it to properly define and initialize variables in PHP code to ensure functionality?

It is crucial to properly define and initialize variables in PHP code to ensure functionality and avoid errors. Undefined variables can lead to unexpected behavior and bugs in your code. By explicitly defining and initializing variables before using them, you can ensure that your code runs smoothly and as intended.

// Properly defining and initializing variables
$var1 = 5;
$var2 = "Hello";
$var3 = array();

// Using the variables
echo $var1;
echo $var2;
print_r($var3);