>> $ref=return_ref(); // is ok > > No, $ref is a copy and not a reference here. > >> $ref=&return_ref(); // faulty? > > This is correct usage. > >> If this is still incorrect, please try to explain your point, or point >> me to an url? > > http://www.php.net/manual/en/language.references.php Thank you, this has made things a lot clearer for me. Cheers, Joeri