What's the difference between public STATIC and public function in php? : <p>I know there are a lot of information according to this, but I couldn't find any really useful and understandable. So what is the difference between <code>public static function</code> and <code>public function</code>? Why sometimes I have to use the word <code>static</code>? </p>

<p>I know that static functions are called by <code>::</code> and non-static by <code>-&gt;</code>, but the real difference (why sometimes I should use <code>static</code> I don't get). As I understand now, when I use <code>static</code>, I can call it from another class. Without it - I cannot. But I'm pretty sure that I'm wrong.</p>

<p>I think this information would be really helpful for a lot of ppl. Thanks for your time in trying to explain it.</p>
