What are the potential drawbacks of storing database information in a text file compared to using sessions in PHP applications?

Storing database information in a text file can lead to security vulnerabilities, data inconsistency, and slower performance compared to using sessions in PHP applications. Sessions provide a more secure and efficient way to store and manage user data during a user's visit to a website.

// Start a session
session_start();

// Store data in session
$_SESSION['user_id'] = 12345;

// Retrieve data from session
$user_id = $_SESSION['user_id'];

// Destroy session
session_destroy();