How can PHP developers optimize performance when dealing with multiple table scans in MySQL queries?

To optimize performance when dealing with multiple table scans in MySQL queries, PHP developers can use indexes on the columns being queried to speed up the search process. By creating indexes on the columns frequently used in WHERE clauses or JOIN conditions, MySQL can quickly locate the relevant rows without having to scan the entire table. Additionally, developers can consider restructuring their queries to minimize the number of table scans needed, such as using JOINs instead of subqueries.

// Example of using indexes in MySQL queries to optimize performance
$query = "SELECT * FROM users WHERE username = 'john_doe'";
// Create an index on the 'username' column in the 'users' table
$index_query = "CREATE INDEX idx_username ON users(username)";
// Execute the index creation query
mysqli_query($connection, $index_query);

// Run the optimized query with the index
$result = mysqli_query($connection, $query);
// Fetch and process the results
while ($row = mysqli_fetch_assoc($result)) {
    // Process each row
}