What are some best practices for optimizing PHP scripts to reduce wait times during page loading?

One best practice for optimizing PHP scripts to reduce wait times during page loading is to minimize the number of database queries being made. This can be achieved by combining multiple queries into a single query or utilizing caching mechanisms to store query results. Additionally, optimizing loops and functions, using efficient algorithms, and reducing unnecessary code can also help improve script performance. 

// Example of combining multiple queries into a single query
$query = "SELECT * FROM table1; SELECT * FROM table2;";
$result = mysqli_multi_query($connection, $query);

// Example of caching query results
if (!($result = $cache->get('query_results'))) {
    $result = mysqli_query($connection, "SELECT * FROM table");
    $cache->set('query_results', $result);
}

// Example of optimizing loops and functions
foreach ($array as $key => $value) {
    // Perform operations on $value
}

// Example of using efficient algorithms
usort($array, function($a, $b) {
    return $a['value'] <=> $b['value'];
});

// Example of reducing unnecessary code
// Instead of:
if ($condition) {
    // Perform operations
}
// Use:
$condition && performOperations();

Related Questions