PHP Sessions

Sessions store user data across multiple pages. Perfect for login systems, shopping carts, and maintaining user state throughout their visit!

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Starting a Session

<?php
// Must be called before any output
session_start();

// Now you can use $_SESSION
$_SESSION['user_id'] = 123;
$_SESSION['username'] = "john_doe";
?>

Reading Session Data

<?php
session_start();

if (isset($_SESSION['username'])) {
    echo "Welcome back, " . $_SESSION['username'];
} else {
    echo "Please log in";
}
?>

Destroying a Session (Logout)

<?php
session_start();

// Remove all session variables
session_unset();

// Destroy the session
session_destroy();
?>

Summary

What's Next?

Next, learn about Cookies - storing data on the client side!