What are the advantages and disadvantages of using the header() function for URL redirection compared to meta refresh tags in PHP scripts?
When it comes to URL redirection in PHP scripts, using the header() function is a more efficient and reliable method compared to meta refresh tags. The header() function sends an HTTP header to the browser, which immediately redirects the user to the specified URL. This method is faster, more SEO-friendly, and does not rely on JavaScript support like meta refresh tags. However, one disadvantage of using header() is that it must be called before any output is sent to the browser, which can sometimes be tricky to implement in certain scenarios.
<?php
// Redirect to a new page using the header() function
header("Location: https://www.example.com");
exit;
?>