How can PHP developers ensure that their scripts are efficient and optimized for handling large amounts of data?

PHP developers can ensure their scripts are efficient and optimized for handling large amounts of data by using proper data structures, minimizing database queries, using caching mechanisms, and optimizing code logic. They can also utilize tools like profiling to identify bottlenecks and optimize performance.

// Example of optimizing PHP script for handling large amounts of data
// Using proper data structures and minimizing database queries

// Connect to database
$connection = new mysqli('localhost', 'username', 'password', 'database');

// Fetch data efficiently using a single query
$result = $connection->query("SELECT * FROM large_table");

// Store data in an array for easier manipulation
$data = [];
while ($row = $result->fetch_assoc()) {
    $data[] = $row;
}

// Close database connection
$connection->close();

// Process data efficiently
foreach ($data as $row) {
    // Perform operations on each row
}