What role does HTML validation play in resolving PHP output issues, and how can tools like Firebug and W3C Validator help in identifying and fixing problems?

HTML validation plays a crucial role in resolving PHP output issues by ensuring that the generated HTML code is well-formed and follows the correct syntax. Tools like Firebug and W3C Validator can help in identifying and fixing problems by highlighting any errors or inconsistencies in the HTML structure, allowing developers to pinpoint and rectify issues more efficiently.

<?php
// PHP code generating HTML output
echo "<div><p>Hello, World!</p></div>";
?>