Using PHP_CodeSniffer: Installation, Configuration, and Practical Examples

PHP_CodeSniffer (PHPCS) enforces coding standards like PSR-12 in PHP code. It can be installed locally via Composer, globally for multiple projects, or in Docker containers. To set PSR-12 as the default standard, use the `--standard=PSR12` flag or configure it in the XML configuration file (phpcs.xml). The XML configuration file allows for customization of checks, enabling features like progress bars and colored output. PHPCBF automatically fixes issues identified by PHPCS, aligning code with the specified standard. PHPCS can generate summary XML reports useful for automated analysis and CI/CD pipelines. By ensuring code quality, PHPCS helps developers adhere to best practices and maintain a consistent coding style.