What are the best practices for integrating user authentication functionality into a PHP-based website or application?

To integrate user authentication functionality into a PHP-based website or application, it is best to use a secure method like password hashing and salting to protect user passwords. Additionally, implementing features like account lockout after multiple failed login attempts and using HTTPS for secure communication are recommended best practices. 

// Code snippet for user authentication using password hashing and salting

// Validate user login credentials
$username = $_POST['username'];
$password = $_POST['password'];

// Retrieve hashed password from database based on username
$hashed_password = ''; // Retrieve hashed password from database

// Verify password using password_verify function
if (password_verify($password, $hashed_password)) {
    // Password is correct, proceed with authentication
    // Set session variables or cookies to keep user logged in
} else {
    // Password is incorrect, display error message
}

Keywords

authentication PHP website application integration

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