How sessions work in PHP - Quick Revision & Summary

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a session in PHP?

A session in PHP is a way to store information (variables) to be used across multiple pages by the same user. It helps keep data like login status or preferences while the user browses the website.

beginner

How does PHP identify a user session?

PHP uses a unique session ID stored in a cookie on the user's browser. This ID links the user to their stored session data on the server.

beginner

What function starts a session in PHP?

The function session_start() starts a new session or resumes an existing one. It must be called before any output is sent to the browser.

intermediate

Where does PHP store session data?

PHP stores session data on the server, usually in temporary files. The session ID in the user's cookie tells PHP which data belongs to that user.

beginner

How do you store and access session variables in PHP?

Use the $_SESSION superglobal array. For example, $_SESSION['username'] = 'Alice'; stores data, and you can access it later with $_SESSION['username'].

Which PHP function is used to start or resume a session?

A init_session()

B start_session()

C begin_session()

D session_start()

The correct function to start or resume a session in PHP is session_start().

Where is the session ID usually stored on the client side?

A In the URL only

B In a cookie

C In a hidden form field

D In local storage

PHP stores the session ID in a cookie on the user's browser by default.

What superglobal array holds session variables in PHP?

A $_SESSION

B $_POST

C $_GET

D $_COOKIE

Session variables are stored in the $_SESSION array.

When must session_start() be called in a PHP script?

A Only on the login page

B After HTML content is sent

C Before any output is sent to the browser

D At the end of the script

session_start() must be called before any output to avoid errors.

Where is session data stored in PHP?

A On the server

B In the user's browser

C In the database only

D In the URL

Session data is stored on the server, linked by the session ID.

Explain how PHP uses sessions to remember user information across pages.

Think about how PHP links a user to their data using a unique ID.

Describe the steps to store and retrieve a username using PHP sessions.

Remember the order and the special array used.