gistfile1.txt

<?php
$pwd = '1!';

function checkPassword($pwd, &$errors) {
    $errors_init = $errors;

    if (strlen($pwd) < 8) {
        $errors[] = "Password too short!";
    }

    if (!preg_match("#[0-9]+#", $pwd)) {
        $errors[] = "Password must include at least one number!";
    }

    if (!preg_match("#[a-zA-Z]+#", $pwd)) {
        $errors[] = "Password must include at least one letter!";
    }     

    return ($errors == $errors_init);
}

checkPassword($pwd, $abc);
var_dump($abc);