How can PHP developers optimize the generation and saving of PDF files by considering alternative methods or approaches to using Readfile with query strings?

To optimize the generation and saving of PDF files in PHP without using Readfile with query strings, developers can consider using alternative methods like file_get_contents to read the file contents and then outputting them using appropriate headers. This approach can help improve performance and security by avoiding potential vulnerabilities associated with query strings.

<?php
// Path to the PDF file
$pdf_file = 'path/to/file.pdf';

// Check if the file exists
if (file_exists($pdf_file)) {
    // Set appropriate headers
    header('Content-Type: application/pdf');
    header('Content-Disposition: attachment; filename="downloaded.pdf"');
    
    // Read the file contents and output them
    echo file_get_contents($pdf_file);
    exit;
} else {
    // Handle file not found error
    echo 'File not found';
}
?>