In what ways can proper error handling and debugging techniques help in resolving issues related to database queries and variable comparisons in PHP functions?

Proper error handling and debugging techniques can help in resolving issues related to database queries and variable comparisons in PHP functions by providing detailed error messages that pinpoint the source of the problem. By using functions like error_reporting() and try-catch blocks, developers can identify and address issues such as syntax errors, database connection problems, or incorrect variable comparisons.

// Example of using try-catch block for error handling in database query
try {
    $conn = new PDO("mysql:host=localhost;dbname=myDB", $username, $password);
    $conn->setAttribute(PDO::ATTR_ERRMODE, PDO::ERRMODE_EXCEPTION);

    $stmt = $conn->prepare("SELECT * FROM users WHERE id = :id");
    $stmt->bindParam(':id', $id);
    $stmt->execute();

    $result = $stmt->fetch(PDO::FETCH_ASSOC);
} catch(PDOException $e) {
    echo "Error: " . $e->getMessage();
}

// Example of proper variable comparison using strict comparison operator
$var1 = 5;
$var2 = "5";

if ($var1 === $var2) {
    echo "Variables are equal";
} else {
    echo "Variables are not equal";
}