What are the security implications of storing user-specific PHP files in the document root?

Storing user-specific PHP files in the document root can pose a security risk as it exposes sensitive user data and code to potential malicious attacks. To mitigate this risk, it is recommended to store user-specific files outside of the document root directory to prevent direct access from the web.

// Example of storing user-specific files outside of the document root
$user_id = 123;
$user_file = "/path/to/user_files/user_" . $user_id . ".php";
// Code logic to handle user-specific file