How should variables be declared and named in PHP scripts to ensure clarity and avoid errors, especially in terms of alphanumeric characters and case sensitivity?

Variables in PHP should be declared using the $ symbol, followed by a valid name consisting of letters, numbers, and underscores. Variable names should start with a letter or underscore, and they are case-sensitive. To ensure clarity and avoid errors, it is recommended to use meaningful and descriptive names for variables.

// Declaring variables with clear and descriptive names
$firstName = "John";
$lastName = "Doe";
$age = 30;