In what ways can PHP beginners ensure that their PHP code embedded in images for online use follows best practices and guidelines for security and functionality?

PHP beginners can ensure that their PHP code embedded in images for online use follows best practices and guidelines for security and functionality by sanitizing user input, avoiding direct output of user input, and using secure coding practices such as input validation and output escaping.

// Example of sanitizing user input in PHP code embedded in images
$user_input = $_GET['user_input'];
$sanitized_input = filter_var($user_input, FILTER_SANITIZE_STRING);
echo $sanitized_input;