How can autoload functions in PHP help reduce the use of require_once() statements and improve code organization?

Autoload functions in PHP can help reduce the use of require_once() statements by automatically loading classes when they are needed, thus improving code organization. By defining an autoload function, PHP will attempt to load a class file only when it is referenced, eliminating the need for manual inclusion statements throughout the codebase.

// Autoload function to automatically load class files
function autoload($className) {
    include_once 'classes/' . $className . '.php';
}

// Register the autoload function
spl_autoload_register('autoload');

// Now PHP will automatically load class files when they are referenced