What is the purpose of using the redirect() function in PHP and what are the potential pitfalls associated with it?

When using the redirect() function in PHP, the purpose is to redirect the user to a different page or URL. This can be useful for directing users after form submissions, login/logout actions, or when certain conditions are met. However, potential pitfalls include unintentional infinite loops if not used correctly, potential security vulnerabilities if user input is not properly sanitized before redirecting, and potential issues with browser caching.

// Example of using the redirect() function in PHP
function redirect($url) {
    header("Location: " . $url);
    exit();
}

// Redirecting user to a different page
redirect("https://www.example.com");