How important is proper planning and design before starting to code a PHP project like this?

Proper planning and design are crucial before starting to code a PHP project to ensure that the project is organized, efficient, and scalable. By outlining the project requirements, creating a detailed project plan, and designing the project structure, developers can avoid common pitfalls and create a more maintainable and successful application.

// Example of a basic project structure with proper planning and design

// Define project requirements and goals
$projectRequirements = [
    'user authentication',
    'database integration',
    'responsive design',
    'secure data handling'
];

// Create a project plan
$projectPlan = [
    'create user login system',
    'design database schema',
    'implement front-end templates',
    'sanitize user input'
];

// Design project structure
// Separate files for different functionalities (e.g., user authentication, database connection)
// Use MVC architecture for better organization and separation of concerns