What does the unset() function mean?

The unset() function in PHP is used to destroy a specified variable or array element, freeing up memory. When you use unset() with a variable, it removes the variable from the current symbol table. If you use it with an array element, it removes that specific element from the array. The memory allocated to the variable or array element is released, and the variable or element is no longer accessible. It's important to note that unset() does not free the memory occupied by the variable or array itself, only the memory occupied by the specific variable or element. It's commonly used when you no longer need a variable or want to remove an element from an array to optimize memory usage.