Is it more efficient to update server information in PHP only when a user requests it instead of on a timed interval?

It can be more efficient to update server information in PHP only when a user requests it, as this avoids unnecessary updates and saves server resources. This approach ensures that the data is always up-to-date when a user needs it, rather than updating it at regular intervals regardless of whether it is requested or not.

// Example PHP code snippet to update server information only when a user requests it
if(isset($_GET['update_data'])) {
    // Code to update server information here
    echo "Server information updated successfully!";
} else {
    // Code to display the server information here
    echo "Server information: ...";
}