What is the recommended approach for combining HTML and PHP code within a form for data processing?

The recommended approach for combining HTML and PHP code within a form for data processing is to use PHP to handle form submission and processing of the data. This involves embedding PHP code within the HTML form to capture user input and process it accordingly. By using PHP, you can easily validate and sanitize user input before storing or displaying it.

<?php
if ($_SERVER["REQUEST_METHOD"] == "POST") {
    // Retrieve form data
    $name = $_POST['name'];
    $email = $_POST['email'];
    
    // Process the data (e.g. store in database)
    // Add your processing logic here
    
    // Redirect to a thank you page
    header("Location: thank_you.php");
    exit;
}
?>

<form method="post" action="<?php echo htmlspecialchars($_SERVER["PHP_SELF"]); ?>">
    <label for="name">Name:</label>
    <input type="text" name="name" id="name" required>
    
    <label for="email">Email:</label>
    <input type="email" name="email" id="email" required>
    
    <button type="submit">Submit</button>
</form>