What are the differences between variable assignment and comparison operators in PHP, and how can they impact code functionality?

Variable assignment operators in PHP are used to assign a value to a variable, while comparison operators are used to compare two values. Using the wrong operator can lead to unintended consequences in code functionality. To avoid confusion, make sure to use the correct operator for the desired operation. Example: Incorrect usage of assignment operator instead of comparison operator:

// Incorrect usage of assignment operator
if ($x = 5) {
    echo "This will always be true";
}
```

Correct usage of comparison operator:

```php
// Correct usage of comparison operator
if ($x == 5) {
    echo "This will only be true if x is equal to 5";
}