What are the advantages of storing numerical data as integers rather than strings in PHP, especially when it comes to database operations and data manipulation?

Storing numerical data as integers rather than strings in PHP can improve performance and efficiency, especially when it comes to database operations and data manipulation. Integers take up less memory compared to strings, resulting in faster data processing and reduced storage space. Additionally, using integers allows for easier mathematical operations and comparisons.

// Storing numerical data as integers rather than strings
$number = 10; // integer
$numberAsString = "10"; // string

// Example of database operation using integers
$query = "SELECT * FROM table WHERE id = $number";
$result = mysqli_query($connection, $query);

// Example of data manipulation with integers
$sum = $number + 5;