How can PHP developers effectively compare different approaches to solving a problem based on script execution time?

To effectively compare different approaches to solving a problem based on script execution time, PHP developers can use the built-in microtime() function to measure the time taken to execute each approach. By capturing the start and end times of each approach, developers can calculate the elapsed time and compare the performance of each solution.

$start_time = microtime(true);

// Code for the first approach

$end_time = microtime(true);
$execution_time_approach1 = $end_time - $start_time;

$start_time = microtime(true);

// Code for the second approach

$end_time = microtime(true);
$execution_time_approach2 = $end_time - $start_time;

if($execution_time_approach1 < $execution_time_approach2){
    echo "Approach 1 is faster";
} else {
    echo "Approach 2 is faster";
}