What are the advantages and disadvantages of using PHP to read and output external file paths compared to other methods?

When working with external file paths in PHP, one common issue is ensuring that the paths are read correctly and outputted accurately. Using PHP's built-in functions like `file_get_contents()` or `fopen()` can help with reading and outputting file paths. However, there are advantages and disadvantages to consider when using PHP for this task. Advantages: 1. PHP has built-in functions specifically designed for reading and manipulating files, making it easier to work with external file paths. 2. PHP's file handling functions are efficient and provide a secure way to access files on the server. 3. PHP is a widely used language with extensive documentation and community support, making it easier to troubleshoot any issues that may arise. Disadvantages: 1. PHP may not be the most efficient language for handling large or complex file operations compared to other languages like Python or Java. 2. PHP's file handling functions can be limited in terms of functionality compared to other languages. 3. PHP's file handling functions may not be as performant as using lower-level languages for file operations.

// Example PHP code snippet to read and output external file paths
$file_path = 'path/to/external/file.txt';

// Read the contents of the file
$file_contents = file_get_contents($file_path);

// Output the contents of the file
echo $file_contents;