What are the potential pitfalls of using dropdown menus in PHP forms for data entry and retrieval?

Potential pitfalls of using dropdown menus in PHP forms include limited options for data entry, increased complexity for users, and potential for errors in data retrieval. To mitigate these issues, consider using autocomplete text fields for data entry, providing clear instructions for users, and validating user input to prevent errors during data retrieval.

<form action="process_form.php" method="post">
    <label for="data_entry">Data Entry:</label>
    <input type="text" id="data_entry" name="data_entry" autocomplete="on">
    <input type="submit" value="Submit">
</form>