What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of using JavaScript for dynamic dropdown menus in PHP applications?

Using JavaScript for dynamic dropdown menus in PHP applications can provide a more interactive and user-friendly experience for the users. It allows for real-time updating of dropdown options without refreshing the page, improving the overall usability of the application. However, relying too heavily on JavaScript for functionality can lead to potential compatibility issues with certain browsers or devices, as not all users may have JavaScript enabled.

<select id="parent_dropdown" onchange="updateChildDropdown()">
    <option value="1">Option 1</option>
    <option value="2">Option 2</option>
</select>

<select id="child_dropdown">
    <!-- Options will be dynamically populated based on the selection in the parent dropdown -->
</select>

<script>
function updateChildDropdown() {
    var parentValue = document.getElementById("parent_dropdown").value;
    
    // Make an AJAX request to fetch the options for the child dropdown based on the parent value
    // Populate the child dropdown with the fetched options
}
</script>