In what situations should PHP developers use unique identifiers instead of URL-encoded characters in redirects?

When dealing with redirects in PHP, it is recommended to use unique identifiers instead of URL-encoded characters in situations where the URL may be manipulated or modified by the user. This helps prevent potential security vulnerabilities such as URL manipulation attacks or injection attacks. By using unique identifiers, developers can ensure that the redirect target remains unchanged and secure. 

// Generate a unique identifier
$unique_id = uniqid();

// Store the unique identifier in a session variable
$_SESSION['redirect_id'] = $unique_id;

// Redirect to a secure URL using the unique identifier
header("Location: https://example.com/secure_page.php?redirect_id=$unique_id");
exit();

Keywords

unique identifiers URL-encoded characters redirects PHP developers situations

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