How can using an array instead of a class improve configuration handling in PHP?

Using an array instead of a class for configuration handling in PHP can improve flexibility and simplicity. Arrays are easier to work with and modify compared to classes, especially for simple key-value pairs like configuration settings. Additionally, arrays can be easily serialized and stored in files for easy retrieval and updating.

// Configuration settings stored in an array
$config = [
    'database_host' => 'localhost',
    'database_name' => 'my_database',
    'database_user' => 'root',
    'database_password' => 'password123'
];

// Save configuration settings to a file
file_put_contents('config.json', json_encode($config));

// Load configuration settings from file
$config = json_decode(file_get_contents('config.json'), true);

// Access configuration settings
echo $config['database_host']; // Output: localhost