How can PHP functions be used to return complete variables instead of just values?

To return complete variables instead of just values in PHP functions, you can use the `return` statement to return an array containing multiple values, or use the `return` statement to return an object with properties that hold the desired values. This allows you to pass back more complex data structures from a function.

// Returning an array with multiple values
function getPersonDetails() {
    $person = [
        'name' => 'John Doe',
        'age' => 30,
        'email' => 'john.doe@example.com'
    ];
    
    return $person;
}

$personDetails = getPersonDetails();
echo $personDetails['name']; // Output: John Doe

// Returning an object with properties
function getPersonObject() {
    $person = new stdClass();
    $person->name = 'Jane Smith';
    $person->age = 25;
    $person->email = 'jane.smith@example.com';
    
    return $person;
}

$personObject = getPersonObject();
echo $personObject->name; // Output: Jane Smith