What are some best practices for handling form data validation and error messages in PHP?

When handling form data validation and error messages in PHP, it is important to validate user input to ensure data integrity and security. It is recommended to use server-side validation along with client-side validation to provide a better user experience. Display clear error messages to inform users about any validation errors.

// Example of handling form data validation and error messages in PHP

// Check if form is submitted
if ($_SERVER["REQUEST_METHOD"] == "POST") {
    // Validate form data
    $name = $_POST['name'];
    if (empty($name)) {
        $error = "Name is required";
    }

    // Display error message
    if (isset($error)) {
        echo $error;
    } else {
        // Process form data
        // Insert data into database or perform other actions
    }
}