How do you use 'str_replace()' function in PHP?

PHP supports several data types including: 1) **Integers** (e.g., `42`), 2) **Floats** (e.g., `3.14`), 3) **Strings** (e.g., `'Hello'`), 4) **Booleans** (`true` or `false`), 5) **Arrays** (e.g., `array('apple', 'banana')`), 6) **Objects** (instances of classes), 7) **NULL** (represents no value). PHP is a loosely-typed language, meaning that variables can change types based on the context.

In PHP classes, access modifiers control the visibility of properties and methods. **`public`** means the property or method is accessible from anywhere, both inside and outside the class. **`protected`** means it can only be accessed within the class and by subclasses. **`private`** means it can only be accessed within the class itself. These modifiers help in encapsulating the data and controlling access to class members.

'array_map()' is a PHP function that applies a callback function to each element of one or more arrays. It returns an array containing the results. For example: `array_map('strtoupper', array('hello', 'world'));` would return `array('HELLO', 'WORLD')`. This function is useful for performing operations on array elements, such as transformations or formatting.

'mysqli_fetch_assoc()' fetches a result row as an associative array from a MySQL database query. For example: `while ($row = mysqli_fetch_assoc($result)) { echo $row['column_name']; }` retrieves rows from a result set where each row is an associative array with column names as keys. This function is useful for accessing query results in a readable format.

The `preg_match()` function in PHP performs a regular expression match. It searches a string for a pattern defined by a regular expression and returns `1` if the pattern matches, `0` if it does not, or `FALSE` on error. For example: `preg_match('/\d+/', '123abc');` will return `1` because '123' matches the pattern of one or more digits. It is used for pattern matching and validation.

The `strlen()` function in PHP returns the length of a string, measured in characters. For example: `strlen('Hello world');` will return `11`. It counts the number of characters in the string, including spaces and special characters. This function is useful for determining the size of a string, validating input lengths, or managing text-based data.

The `strip_tags()` function in PHP removes HTML and PHP tags from a string. For example: `strip_tags('<p>Hello</p>');` will return `'Hello'`. This function is useful for sanitizing user input by removing unwanted tags and preventing potential security risks, such as cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks. It is often used when displaying user-generated content.

The `uniqid()` function in PHP generates a unique identifier based on the current time in microseconds. For example: `uniqid();` might produce a string like `'5f0e0d8b5e4b1'`. This function is often used to create unique keys or identifiers for objects or sessions. It can also accept a prefix string to prepend to the generated ID.

The `isset()` function checks if a variable is set and is not `null`. It returns `true` if the variable exists and has a value other than `null`; otherwise, it returns `false`. For example: `if (isset($var)) { echo 'Variable is set'; }`. It is commonly used to verify the existence of a variable before attempting to use it, preventing errors or undefined variable notices.

The `array_merge()` function in PHP combines multiple arrays into one. For example: `array_merge(array('a', 'b'), array('c', 'd'));` will result in `array('a', 'b', 'c', 'd')`. This function merges the arrays in the order they are passed, with the values of subsequent arrays appending to the first array. It is useful for aggregating data from multiple sources.

To validate email addresses in PHP, use the `filter_var()` function with the `FILTER_VALIDATE_EMAIL` filter. For example: `if (filter_var($email, FILTER_VALIDATE_EMAIL)) { echo 'Valid email'; } else { echo 'Invalid email'; }`. This function checks the syntax of the email address and ensures it conforms to standard email formats. It's an effective way to validate user inputs.

'mysqli_prepare()' is used in PHP to prepare an SQL statement for execution, allowing for parameterized queries that enhance security. For example: `$stmt = mysqli_prepare($conn, 'SELECT * FROM users WHERE email = ?');`. Placeholders (like `?`) are used in the query, and then parameters are bound using `mysqli_stmt_bind_param()`. This approach helps prevent SQL injection by separating the SQL code from the data.