I need a little help understanding syntax.

[atrum]

So I have been around the net a few times reading tutorials, watching vids as I try to teach my self php. I have come across a few items that I am having trouble understanding.

 

The first is the use of the % symbol.

 

For example I commonly see the % used in generating random strings of characters.

Here is piece of the code I used to generate a random string.

 

What is the purpose of % in this statement.

		if ($alt == 1) {
			$rndPKID .= $consonants[(rand() % strlen($consonants))];
			$alt = 0;
		} else {
			$rndPKID .= $vowels[(rand() % strlen($vowels))];
			$alt = 1;
		}

 

The second is the use of the & or as it is better known. The ampersand symbol.

 

I commonly see it used when declaring a function.

 

function newfunction($var1, &$var2){
//Do Stuff Here.
}

 

Can anyone help me understand those 2 symbols purpose and usage in php?

[Pikachu2000]

The first is the modulus operator. More here.

 

The second is 'passing by reference'. More here.

[atrum]

Thank you very much.