What are some best practices for optimizing PHP scripts to reduce server load?

To optimize PHP scripts and reduce server load, it is essential to minimize the use of database queries, optimize loops and conditionals, cache data where possible, and enable opcode caching. Additionally, using efficient algorithms and avoiding unnecessary functions can also help improve script performance.

// Example of optimizing PHP script by minimizing database queries
// Before optimization
$result = mysqli_query($conn, "SELECT * FROM users");
while ($row = mysqli_fetch_assoc($result)) {
    // Process user data
}

// After optimization
$users = []; // Initialize an array to store user data
$result = mysqli_query($conn, "SELECT * FROM users");
while ($row = mysqli_fetch_assoc($result)) {
    $users[] = $row; // Store user data in the array
}

// Now you can loop through the $users array to process user data
foreach ($users as $user) {
    // Process user data
}