How does the internal functioning of PHP scripts impact where class files should be included in the code structure?

The internal functioning of PHP scripts impacts where class files should be included in the code structure because PHP requires classes to be defined before they are instantiated. This means that class files should be included at the beginning of the script or before the class is used. Failure to include class files in the correct order can result in fatal errors or undefined class issues.

<?php

// Include the class file at the beginning of the script
include 'class_file.php';

// Instantiate the class after including the file
$obj = new ClassName();

// Rest of the PHP script