Using suitable function transformation in combination with a specific Riccati-type equation solvable, general solution of the Riccati equation in the form of elementary quadrature is given. In the process of solving the Riccati equation, the hidden parameter and variable are discovered. This indicates that hidden parameter & variable exist in all differential equations associated with the Riccati equation, such as the second-order linear ODEs, the Schrödinger equation and the Navier–Stokes equation.