What is the importance of using is_numeric() over is_int() when validating form input in PHP?

When validating form input in PHP, it is important to use is_numeric() over is_int() because is_numeric() checks if a variable is a number or a numeric string, while is_int() specifically checks if a variable is an integer type. This is important because form inputs are typically received as strings, so using is_numeric() allows for more flexibility in validation.

// Validate form input using is_numeric()
$input = $_POST['input'];

if (is_numeric($input)) {
    // Input is a number or numeric string
    // Proceed with processing the input
} else {
    // Input is not a number
    // Handle the error accordingly
}