The PHP date() function formats a timestamp to
a more readable date and time. This article contains the W3 School's
explanation on how to use the Date() function in PHP correctly.
PHP Date() Function
The PHP date() function is used to format a time and/or date.
The PHP Date() Function
The PHP date() function formats a timestamp to a more readable date and time.
 A timestamp is a sequence of
characters, denoting the date and/or time at which a certain event occurred.
Syntax
| Parameter |
Description |
| format |
Required. Specifies
the format of the timestamp |
| timestamp |
Optional. Specifies a timestamp. Default is the current
date and time |
PHP Date() - Format the Date
The required format parameter in the date() function specifies how to format the
date/time.
Here are some characters that can be used:
- d - Represents the day of the month (01 to 31)
- m - Represents a month (01 to 12)
- Y - Represents a year (in four digits)
Other characters, like"/", ".", or "-" can also be inserted between the
letters to add additional formatting:
<?php
echo date("Y/m/d") . "<br />";
echo date("Y.m.d") . "<br />";
echo date("Y-m-d")
?>
|
The output of the code above could be something like this:
2009/05/11
2009.05.11
2009-05-11
|
PHP Date() - Adding a Timestamp
The optional timestamp parameter in the date() function specifies a timestamp. If you do not
specify a timestamp, the
current date and time will be used.
The mktime() function returns the Unix timestamp for a date.
The Unix timestamp contains the number of seconds between the Unix Epoch
(January 1 1970 00:00:00 GMT) and the time specified.
Syntax for mktime()
|
mktime(hour,minute,second,month,day,year,is_dst)
|
To go one day in the future we simply add one to the day argument of mktime():
<?php
$tomorrow = mktime(0,0,0,date("m"),date("d")+1,date("Y"));
echo "Tomorrow is ".date("Y/m/d", $tomorrow);
?>
|
The output of the code above could be something like this:
|
