How can PHP developers optimize image loading and retrieval for large amounts of data, similar to platforms like Facebook?

To optimize image loading and retrieval for large amounts of data in PHP, developers can implement lazy loading techniques, use caching mechanisms, and resize images to reduce file size and load time. Additionally, utilizing a content delivery network (CDN) can help distribute the load and improve performance.

// Example PHP code for lazy loading images using jQuery
<script>
$(document).ready(function(){
    $('img.lazy').lazy();
});
</script>

<img class="lazy" data-src="image.jpg" alt="Lazy Loaded Image">

// Example PHP code for caching images using PHP's file_get_contents() function
<?php
$image_url = 'image.jpg';
$cached_image = 'cached_image.jpg';

if(!file_exists($cached_image)){
    $image_data = file_get_contents($image_url);
    file_put_contents($cached_image, $image_data);
}

echo '<img src="'.$cached_image.'" alt="Cached Image">';
?>