In PHP, what steps can be taken to improve code readability and maintainability, especially in the context of user authentication scripts?

To improve code readability and maintainability in user authentication scripts, it is important to modularize the code into separate functions or classes, use meaningful variable and function names, and properly comment the code to explain its purpose and functionality.

// Example of improved code readability and maintainability in user authentication script

// Function to validate user credentials
function validateUser($username, $password) {
    // Validation logic here
}

// Function to authenticate user
function authenticateUser($username, $password) {
    // Authentication logic here
}

// Function to check if user is logged in
function isLoggedIn() {
    // Check if user is logged in
}