What are the advantages of using files or databases instead of hardcoding data in PHP code?

Hardcoding data in PHP code can make it difficult to update or manage the data, as any changes would require modifying the code itself. Using files or databases to store data allows for easier maintenance and scalability, as data can be easily updated without touching the code. Additionally, separating data from code promotes better organization and can improve security by preventing sensitive information from being exposed in the code.

// Storing data in a separate file
$data = file_get_contents('data.txt');
echo $data;