What are the potential pitfalls of simply copying and pasting code without understanding its functionality in PHP development?

Simply copying and pasting code without understanding its functionality can lead to several potential pitfalls in PHP development. This includes introducing bugs or security vulnerabilities into your code, as well as hindering your ability to troubleshoot and maintain the code in the future. It's important to take the time to understand the code you are using and make any necessary modifications to fit the specific requirements of your project.

// Example of understanding and modifying code before implementation
// Original code snippet
$var = $_GET['input'];

// Modified code snippet with added validation
if(isset($_GET['input']) && is_numeric($_GET['input'])) {
    $var = $_GET['input'];
} else {
    $var = 0; // Default value or error handling
}