How can PHP developers optimize performance when executing complex SQL queries involving joins and large datasets?

To optimize performance when executing complex SQL queries involving joins and large datasets, PHP developers can utilize indexes on the columns involved in the joins, limit the columns selected to only those needed, use pagination to limit the number of results returned at once, and consider denormalizing the database structure if necessary.

// Example of optimizing a SQL query with joins and large datasets
// Adding indexes to columns involved in joins
$query = "SELECT * FROM table1 
          INNER JOIN table2 ON table1.id = table2.table1_id
          WHERE table1.column1 = 'value' AND table2.column2 = 'value2'
          LIMIT 10";
// Execute the query and fetch results