How important is it to stay updated with the latest PHP versions, and how can one ensure they are learning current practices in PHP development?

It is crucial to stay updated with the latest PHP versions to ensure security, performance, and compatibility with new features. To ensure you are learning current practices in PHP development, regularly check the PHP website for updates, follow PHP blogs and forums, and participate in online courses or workshops.

// Example code snippet to check for PHP version and display it
$phpVersion = phpversion();
echo "Current PHP version: " . $phpVersion;