How can the use of helper functions in PHP improve code readability and maintainability in complex scripts like the one described?

Using helper functions in PHP can improve code readability and maintainability in complex scripts by breaking down the code into smaller, more manageable chunks. This allows for easier debugging, testing, and updating of the code. Helper functions can also be reused in multiple parts of the script, reducing redundancy and promoting code consistency.

// Helper function to calculate the square of a number
function calculateSquare($num) {
    return $num * $num;
}

// Main script using the helper function
$number = 5;
$square = calculateSquare($number);
echo "The square of $number is $square";