In what scenarios should one consider using var_dump() to debug PHP variables before executing MySQL queries?

When dealing with PHP variables that are being used in MySQL queries, it's important to ensure that the variables contain the expected values before executing the queries. Using var_dump() can help you inspect the contents of the variables and identify any unexpected data or formatting issues. This can prevent errors in your SQL queries and improve the overall reliability of your application.

// Example code snippet demonstrating the use of var_dump() to debug PHP variables before executing MySQL queries

// Assuming $username is a PHP variable containing user input
$username = $_POST['username'];

// Debugging the $username variable using var_dump()
var_dump($username);

// Proceed with executing MySQL query using the $username variable
$query = "SELECT * FROM users WHERE username = '$username'";
$result = mysqli_query($connection, $query);