What are the advantages and disadvantages of using file-based storage for data in PHP applications, as opposed to database solutions?

File-based storage in PHP applications can be advantageous for small-scale projects or when simplicity is preferred. It is easy to implement, does not require additional server setup, and can be more cost-effective. However, file-based storage may not be suitable for large amounts of data or complex querying requirements, as it can lead to performance issues and data inconsistency.

// Example of using file-based storage in PHP

// Write data to a file
$data = "Hello, world!";
file_put_contents('data.txt', $data);

// Read data from a file
$readData = file_get_contents('data.txt');
echo $readData;