> So no they are not meant to go around. You can use them this way as well. that has almost the same meaning of $_ = '_POST'; echo count($$_); which again, for readability brackets are suggested to improve maintainability $_ = '_POST'; echo count(${$_}); Regards _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live: Make it easier for your friends to see what you’re up to on Facebook. http://www.microsoft.com/middleeast/windows/windowslive/see-it-in-action/social-network-basics.aspx?ocid=PID23461::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-xm:SI_SB_2:092009