php - What is the difference between “=” and “=&” when assigning variables? -

i trying figure out difference between $a=&$b , $a=$b. know & make variable reference variable. following test gave me same result. can explain difference? thanks.

 $a=5;  $b=6;   $a=&$b;  echo $a; //6    $a=5;  $b=6;   $a=$b;  echo $a; //6 

first of all: you'll hardly ever need references, avoid confusion of using them if can.

$a=5;    //assign value $b=&$a;  //make $b reference $a $b=6;    //assigning value $b assigns same value $a (as point same location echo $a; //6   $a=5;    //assign value $b=$a;   //set $b value of $a $b=6;    //set $b value leaves $a @ it's original value echo $a; //5