How can PHP developers optimize the performance of database queries and data retrieval when working with large datasets in MySQL?

To optimize the performance of database queries and data retrieval when working with large datasets in MySQL, PHP developers can use techniques such as indexing columns used in WHERE clauses, limiting the number of columns returned, using appropriate SQL queries with joins and conditions, caching query results, and utilizing pagination to limit the amount of data retrieved at once.

// Example of optimizing database query with indexing and limiting columns
$query = "SELECT id, name FROM users WHERE age > 18";
$result = mysqli_query($connection, $query);