In what ways can PHP developers optimize and improve the efficiency of a "Freitextsuche" feature in a MySQL database?

To optimize and improve the efficiency of a "Freitextsuche" feature in a MySQL database, PHP developers can utilize full-text search indexes in MySQL, use parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection, and limit the number of search results returned.

<?php
// Establish a connection to the MySQL database
$mysqli = new mysqli("localhost", "username", "password", "database");

// Prepare the search query with a full-text search index
$searchTerm = $mysqli->real_escape_string($_GET['searchTerm']);
$query = "SELECT * FROM table_name WHERE MATCH(column_name) AGAINST ('$searchTerm' IN BOOLEAN MODE)";

// Execute the query and fetch the results
$result = $mysqli->query($query);
if ($result->num_rows > 0) {
    while ($row = $result->fetch_assoc()) {
        // Output the search results
        echo $row['column_name'] . "<br>";
    }
} else {
    echo "No results found";
}

// Close the database connection
$mysqli->close();
?>