How can PHP developers efficiently implement an if/else function to check for existing visitor data before updating it in a database?

When updating visitor data in a database, PHP developers can efficiently implement an if/else function to check if the visitor data already exists before updating it. This can prevent duplicate entries and ensure data integrity.

// Check if visitor data already exists in the database
$query = "SELECT * FROM visitors WHERE visitor_id = $visitor_id";
$result = mysqli_query($conn, $query);

if(mysqli_num_rows($result) > 0) {
    // Update existing visitor data
    $update_query = "UPDATE visitors SET data = $new_data WHERE visitor_id = $visitor_id";
    mysqli_query($conn, $update_query);
} else {
    // Insert new visitor data
    $insert_query = "INSERT INTO visitors (visitor_id, data) VALUES ($visitor_id, $new_data)";
    mysqli_query($conn, $insert_query);
}