What is the recommended approach for handling script processing messages in PHP to ensure a smooth user experience?

When processing long-running scripts in PHP, it is essential to provide feedback to the user to ensure a smooth experience. One recommended approach is to use session variables to store progress messages and update them as the script runs. This allows users to see real-time updates on the processing status. 

<?php

// Start the session
session_start();

// Set initial progress message
$_SESSION['progress_message'] = "Processing script...";

// Long-running script
for ($i = 0; $i < 100; $i++) {
    // Update progress message
    $_SESSION['progress_message'] = "Processing item $i...";
    
    // Simulate processing time
    usleep(50000); // 50ms
}

// Final progress message
$_SESSION['progress_message'] = "Script processing complete.";

// End the session
session_write_close();

?>

Keywords

error handling PHP functions user experience script processing messaging

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