Is using $_REQUEST considered outdated and insecure in PHP development?

Using $_REQUEST is generally considered outdated and insecure in PHP development because it combines data from $_GET, $_POST, and $_COOKIE superglobals, making it difficult to trace the source of the data. It is recommended to use $_GET or $_POST specifically depending on the type of data being sent. This helps improve code readability, maintainability, and security.

// Using $_POST instead of $_REQUEST to handle form data
if ($_SERVER["REQUEST_METHOD"] == "POST") {
    $username = $_POST["username"];
    $password = $_POST["password"];
    
    // Process the form data securely
}