- var_export: documentation ( source)
<?php
$arr = array(1);
$a =& $arr[0]; //$a and $arr[0] are in the same reference set
$arr2 = $arr; //not an assignment-by-reference!
$arr2[0]++;
var_export($a);
echo "\n";
var_export($arr);
echo "\n";
var_export($arr2);