What are the advantages and disadvantages of using validation links sent to email addresses for validation in PHP scripts?

When creating a PHP script that requires user validation, using validation links sent to email addresses can help ensure that the user's email is valid and that they have access to it. However, this method can be prone to issues such as emails getting lost in spam folders or users entering incorrect email addresses. It also adds an extra step for the user to complete, which can lead to drop-off rates. 

<?php
// Generate a random validation code
$validation_code = md5(uniqid(rand(), true));

// Send validation link to user's email
$to = "user@example.com";
$subject = "Account Validation";
$message = "Click the link to validate your account: http://www.example.com/validate.php?code=$validation_code";
$headers = "From: admin@example.com";
mail($to, $subject, $message, $headers);

// Validate user's account
if(isset($_GET['code']) && $_GET['code'] == $validation_code){
    // Code matches, validate user's account
    echo "Account validated successfully!";
} else {
    // Code does not match
    echo "Invalid validation code!";
}
?>

Keywords

validation links email addresses advantages disadvantages PHP scripts

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