What are some common techniques for improving the efficiency of search functions in PHP applications that interact with MySQL databases?
One common technique for improving the efficiency of search functions in PHP applications that interact with MySQL databases is to use indexes on columns frequently used in search queries. This can significantly speed up the search process by allowing MySQL to quickly locate relevant rows. Additionally, utilizing full-text search indexes for text-based searches can further enhance search efficiency.
// Example of creating an index on a column in a MySQL table
$sql = "CREATE INDEX idx_name ON users (name)";
$result = mysqli_query($connection, $sql);
if($result) {
echo "Index created successfully";
} else {
echo "Error creating index: " . mysqli_error($connection);
}