What best practices should PHP developers follow to ensure their code is compatible with future PHP versions, such as PHP6, and utilizes more efficient functions like preg_*()?

To ensure compatibility with future PHP versions and utilize more efficient functions like preg_*(), PHP developers should follow best practices such as using the latest PHP version, avoiding deprecated functions, using strict typing, and keeping up with PHP documentation for any changes or updates.

// Example of using preg_match() instead of deprecated ereg() function
if (preg_match('/pattern/', $string)) {
    // Code block
}