How to pass a variable from php to a modal?

(PHP) What is the difference between a static variable and a "pass by reference" variable?

• I understand that a static variable will maintain its' current value within its' scope (function), and that when accessed again under whatever circumstance will have maintained its' last initialized value. I understand that a "pass by reference" value will actually permanently change the initial value of the variable that was passed by reference, whatever the scope may be. So, are these not the same in functionality?

• Answer:

  A reference and static variables are very different. It is true that if a variable is not declared static within a function, it is released when control returns from the funtion. A static variable will retain its value every time that function is called. So if you were to change a static variable's value to 2 within a function, during the next function call, the variable would have a value of two. But a static variable's scope is local to that function. It cannot be accessed outside of that function. A reference variable on the other hand, is very different. It is a variable that "references" another variable by use of memory addresses. It is essentially another name for that variable that can be passed to a function to change the variable it is referencing. So with reference variables you have more freedom in a sense. You can use that reference variable for any function you declare and modify the variable it is referencing