How can using an external CSS file improve the organization and efficiency of PHP code?

Using an external CSS file can improve the organization and efficiency of PHP code by separating the styling from the PHP logic. This separation allows for easier maintenance and updates to the styling without needing to touch the PHP code. It also promotes reusability of styles across multiple pages and simplifies the overall structure of the code.

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="styles.css">
</head>
<body>
    <?php
    // PHP code here
    ?>
</body>
</html>