why this happen ? can any one describe what happened ?

Question

<?php
$imstring = 24;
$imint = "Hello World";
(int)$imint = (string)$imstring = $imint = &$imstring ;
echo gettype($imint);
echo gettype($imstring);
//both putputs are string

#why #outputs

Answer 1

Because of the "&" I believe
Possible fixed code 👇

https://code.sololearn.com/wz6v4Y9z48l6/?ref=app

Answer 2

that's true code , i want to know why and how thats happend ?