How can PHP developers effectively mimic database functionality when using text files for storage?

When using text files for storage instead of a database, PHP developers can effectively mimic database functionality by using functions to read, write, update, and delete data in the text files. By structuring the text files in a way that mimics database tables and records, developers can create a system that closely resembles a database.

// Example of reading data from a text file
$data = file_get_contents('data.txt');
$records = explode("\n", $data);

foreach ($records as $record) {
    $fields = explode(',', $record);
    // Process each field as needed
}