Why is it important to check the exact file paths and include_path when using the include function in PHP?

It is important to check the exact file paths and include_path when using the include function in PHP to ensure that the included files are located and loaded correctly. This helps prevent errors such as "file not found" or "include path not found" which can disrupt the functionality of the script. By specifying the correct file paths and include_path, you can ensure that the necessary files are included seamlessly.

// Example of including a file with the correct file path
include '/path/to/file.php';