How can AJAX and jQuery be utilized to improve the functionality of PHP scripts for handling email sending and database updates?

To improve the functionality of PHP scripts for handling email sending and database updates, AJAX can be used to send asynchronous requests to the server without reloading the page, while jQuery can simplify the process of interacting with the DOM and making AJAX requests. PHP Code Snippet:

<?php
// Email sending functionality using AJAX
if(isset($_POST['email'])) {
    $to = $_POST['email'];
    $subject = 'Test Email';
    $message = 'This is a test email sent using AJAX.';
    $headers = 'From: your_email@example.com';
    
    if(mail($to, $subject, $message, $headers)) {
        echo 'Email sent successfully!';
    } else {
        echo 'Email sending failed.';
    }
}

// Database update functionality using AJAX
if(isset($_POST['data'])) {
    $data = $_POST['data'];
    
    // Perform database update using $data
    
    echo 'Database updated successfully!';
}
?>