How do you declare a function in PHP?

The correct method to declare a function in PHP involves using the function keyword, followed by the desired function name and parentheses. This standard syntax establishes the function's identity and its ability to accept parameters if needed. For example, a simple function declaration would look like this:

function myFunction() {
    // function body
}

This format clearly delineates the function's name and indicates where the function's parameters would be specified within the parentheses if applicable. The use of the function keyword is essential, as it tells the PHP interpreter that what follows is a function declaration.

The other options do not accurately represent how functions are defined in PHP. Using the declare keyword is related to declaring directives for a particular block of code and not function creation. Simply stating the function name with parentheses or defining a variable with a function object does not conform to the language's syntax rules for function declaration. Understanding this structure is critical for effectively organizing and reusing code in PHP applications.