How can the use of ini files be a more efficient alternative to constant variables for language translations in PHP?

Using ini files for language translations in PHP can be a more efficient alternative to constant variables because ini files allow for easier management and organization of language strings. By storing translations in ini files, it makes it simpler to update and add new translations without modifying the code. Additionally, ini files can be easily parsed in PHP using built-in functions, making it a more flexible and scalable solution for multilingual websites.

// Example of using ini files for language translations in PHP

// Load language file
$translations = parse_ini_file('translations.ini');

// Function to retrieve translated text
function translate($key) {
    global $translations;
    return isset($translations[$key]) ? $translations[$key] : $key;
}

// Example usage
echo translate('hello'); // Output: Hello