How can PHP developers optimize database queries by avoiding the use of "SELECT *" and ensuring proper validation of GET variables?

When developers use "SELECT *" in database queries, it can lead to unnecessary data retrieval and potential performance issues. To optimize database queries, developers should specify only the columns they need in the SELECT statement. Additionally, proper validation of GET variables can prevent SQL injection attacks and ensure data integrity.

// Avoid using SELECT * and validate GET variables
$connection = new mysqli("localhost", "username", "password", "database");

// Validate GET variables
$id = isset($_GET['id']) ? intval($_GET['id']) : 0;

// Specify only necessary columns in the SELECT statement
$query = "SELECT column1, column2 FROM table WHERE id = $id";

$result = $connection->query($query);

if ($result->num_rows > 0) {
    while ($row = $result->fetch_assoc()) {
        // Process retrieved data
    }
} else {
    echo "No results found.";
}

$connection->close();