What are the recommended methods for inserting form data into a MySQL database using PHP?

When inserting form data into a MySQL database using PHP, it is recommended to use prepared statements to prevent SQL injection attacks and ensure data integrity. Prepared statements separate SQL logic from user input, making it safer to insert data into the database.

<?php
// Establish a connection to the MySQL database
$servername = "localhost";
$username = "username";
$password = "password";
$dbname = "database";
$conn = new mysqli($servername, $username, $password, $dbname);

// Check connection
if ($conn->connect_error) {
    die("Connection failed: " . $conn->connect_error);
}

// Prepare and bind the SQL statement
$stmt = $conn->prepare("INSERT INTO table_name (column1, column2) VALUES (?, ?)");
$stmt->bind_param("ss", $value1, $value2);

// Set parameters and execute
$value1 = $_POST['value1'];
$value2 = $_POST['value2'];
$stmt->execute();

echo "New records created successfully";

// Close the statement and the connection
$stmt->close();
$conn->close();
?>