How can the use of references in PHP function parameters affect the code execution?

Using references in PHP function parameters allows the function to directly modify the original variable passed to it, rather than creating a copy. This can affect code execution by changing the value of the original variable outside of the function scope. To avoid unexpected behavior, it's important to be mindful when using references in function parameters and clearly document this behavior in the function's documentation. 

// Example of using references in PHP function parameters
function increment(&$num) {
    $num++;
}

$number = 5;
echo $number; // Output: 5

increment($number);
echo $number; // Output: 6

Keywords

references PHP function parameters code execution memory management

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