What are some alternative approaches to handling complex data retrieval and processing in PHP to avoid excessive nesting of loops?

Excessive nesting of loops in PHP can make code difficult to read and maintain. One alternative approach to handling complex data retrieval and processing is to use array functions like array_map, array_filter, and array_reduce to manipulate data without the need for nested loops.

// Example of using array functions to handle complex data retrieval and processing
$data = [
    ['name' => 'Alice', 'age' => 30],
    ['name' => 'Bob', 'age' => 25],
    ['name' => 'Charlie', 'age' => 35],
];

// Use array_map to transform data
$names = array_map(function($item) {
    return $item['name'];
}, $data);

// Use array_filter to filter data
$filteredData = array_filter($data, function($item) {
    return $item['age'] > 30;
});

// Use array_reduce to process data
$totalAge = array_reduce($data, function($carry, $item) {
    return $carry + $item['age'];
}, 0);

// Output results
print_r($names);
print_r($filteredData);
echo $totalAge;