What alternative technologies or tools can be used instead of compiling PHP scripts into EXE files?

Compiling PHP scripts into EXE files is not a common practice and can be complex. Instead of compiling PHP scripts into EXE files, a more straightforward approach is to use tools like PHAR (PHP Archive) to package PHP scripts into a single file for distribution. PHAR files can be easily executed on any system with PHP installed, providing a portable and convenient solution.

// Example of creating a PHAR archive from a PHP script
$phar = new Phar('my_script.phar');
$phar->buildFromDirectory(__DIR__);
$phar->setStub($phar->createDefaultStub('index.php'));