In what situations should PHP beginners prioritize learning about basic concepts like isset() and empty() functions before implementing advanced features like search scripts?

PHP beginners should prioritize learning about basic concepts like isset() and empty() functions before implementing advanced features like search scripts to ensure proper handling of variables and prevent potential errors. These functions are essential for checking the existence and emptiness of variables before using them in conditional statements, which helps avoid undefined variable notices and unexpected behavior in the code.

// Check if a variable is set and not empty before using it
if(isset($variable) && !empty($variable)) {
    // Perform actions using the variable
    echo $variable;
} else {
    // Handle the case when the variable is not set or empty
    echo "Variable is not set or empty";
}