How can PHP scripts be prevented from timing out when processing a parameter for an extended period of time?

When processing a parameter for an extended period of time in a PHP script, you can prevent it from timing out by increasing the maximum execution time limit using the `set_time_limit()` function. This function sets the maximum execution time for the script in seconds. By setting a higher time limit, you allow the script to continue processing the parameter without timing out.

// Set the maximum execution time limit to 300 seconds (5 minutes)
set_time_limit(300);

// Your code for processing the parameter goes here