How important is it to stay updated on PHP functions and features, and how does this relate to the certification process?

It is important to stay updated on PHP functions and features as the language evolves with new capabilities and improvements. This is crucial for maintaining code efficiency, security, and compatibility with the latest standards. Keeping abreast of updates also helps in preparing for PHP certification exams, as they often test knowledge of the latest features and best practices.

// Example code snippet to demonstrate the use of a newer PHP function
// Using the null coalescing operator introduced in PHP 7
$name = $_GET['name'] ?? 'Guest';
echo "Hello, $name!";