Why is it not advisable to alter the database schema at runtime in PHP scripts, as mentioned in the forum thread?

Altering the database schema at runtime in PHP scripts can lead to potential data loss, corruption, or inconsistencies in the database. It is not advisable because it can cause unexpected errors and make it difficult to maintain and debug the code. Instead, it is recommended to plan and execute any necessary database schema changes outside of the runtime environment.

// Example of how to handle database schema changes outside of runtime
// 1. Make necessary changes to the database schema using SQL commands
// 2. Update the PHP scripts to reflect the new schema
// 3. Test the changes thoroughly before deploying them to the production environment