How can PHP developers ensure that the points system is efficiently managed and updated?

// Create a database table to store user points
CREATE TABLE user_points (
    user_id INT NOT NULL,
    points INT NOT NULL,
    PRIMARY KEY (user_id)
);

// Function to add points to a user
function addPoints($user_id, $points) {
    // Add points to the user's current total
    // Update the user_points table with the new total
}

// Function to subtract points from a user
function subtractPoints($user_id, $points) {
    // Subtract points from the user's current total
    // Update the user_points table with the new total
}

// Function to update points for a user
function updatePoints($user_id, $points) {
    // Update the user's points to the specified total
    // Update the user_points table with the new total
}

// Validate user input and permissions before updating points
$user_id = $_POST['user_id'];
$points = $_POST['points'];

// Call the appropriate function based on the action (add, subtract, update)
$action = $_POST['action'];
if ($action == 'add') {
    addPoints($user_id, $points);
} elseif ($action == 'subtract') {
    subtractPoints($user_id, $points);
} elseif ($action == 'update') {
    updatePoints($user_id, $points);
} else {
    // Handle invalid action
}