Explain SQL injection and discuss the measures you can take to prevent it in PHP.

SQL injection is a common security vulnerability that occurs when untrusted user input is directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper validation or sanitization. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to manipulate the SQL queries and potentially gain unauthorized access to or manipulate the database. Here's an in-depth explanation of SQL injection and the measures you can take to prevent it in PHP: 1. Understanding SQL Injection: * SQL injection occurs when an attacker injects malicious SQL code into an application's input fields, such as forms, URL parameters, or cookies. * The injected SQL code is then executed by the database server, potentially allowing the attacker to perform unauthorized actions or access sensitive information. * Common attack scenarios include modifying the query's logic, extracting sensitive data, or even deleting or modifying database records. 2. Preventive Measures: * Prepared Statements (Parameterized Queries): + Prepared statements are one of the most effective measures to prevent SQL injection. + Use prepared statements and parameterized queries provided by database extensions like PDO or MySQLi. + Prepared stateme....