When a user registers with my site, I want an email to be sent to the user with an activation code or a custom link in order to verify that the email submitted is valid before their account becomes active. I would imagine there are others out there who have the same requirement. Any assistance would be appreciated. Thanks

It is very easy. You're storing the 'verification code' in db. And use PHP mail() to send a link to PHP script in your Web site that checks/tallies that 'verification code'. Easy!

`~@#\^%&*/\.<.\/-|+|_!:;..=?>
Students' finances

Activation Code:
<?php
$chain="";
$arra_codesASCII=array();
for($i=ord(0);$i<=ord(9);$i++) $arra_codesASCII[]=chr($i);
for($i=ord("a");$i<=ord("z");$i++) $arra_codesASCII[]=chr($i);
for($i=ord("A");$i<=ord("Z");$i++) $arra_codesASCII[]=chr($i);
for($i=0;$i!=128;$i++) $chain.=$arra_codesASCII[array_rand($arra_codesASCII)];
?>
Store the code in the database with there username obviously ;) then send them an email:
<?php
$headers = 'From: [email protected]' . "\r\n";
$headers.= "MIME-version: 1.0\n";
$headers.= "Content-type: text/html; charset= iso-8859-1\n";

$message = "Thank you to register with (company name)<br>\n (2nd line) <br>\n In order to activate your account please click here:<br>\n
<center><a href=\"http://websiteaddress/reguser.php?verify=".$chain."&mail=".$useremail)." &web=0\">Activation</a></center> <br>\n
Thank you for taking the time to register to the (company name) Website. <br><br>\n\n Please do not reply to this email has the mailbox isn't monitored.<br><br><br>\n\n\n<center> - The Webmaster (company name) - </center><br>\n";

mail($useremail,'title', $message, $headers);
?>

create a page:
http://websiteaddress/reguser.php
the data are in 'verify'

:)