Referencing function return value

I have a general question about referencing... Would it be safe to reference a function return value? My main concern is that once the function goes out of scope, is that variable cleaned up or would it stay around because there is a new reference to it. I am coming from the C++ and Java world. I know how it works there! However, I am unsure about PHP. Instead of trying out a test script. I wish to know more about language design. So, I would be assured of its support for future versions of the language. Thank you very much. --------------------------------- Do You Yahoo!? New! SBC Yahoo! Dial - 1st Month Free & unlimited access