The DateTime class

Learn object-oriented date operations with the DateTime class.

Introducing the DateTime class

PHP also offers an object-oriented way to work with dates: the DateTime class. It represents a date as an object and uses methods for formatting and calculations.

For example, $date = new DateTime('2024-06-15'); creates an object for a specific date. Calling new DateTime() with no argument gives the current time.

DateTime is more flexible than the date() function; it reduces errors in date math.

DateTime construction and format()

You format a DateTime object with the ->format() method. The method accepts the same format characters as the date() function.

For example, after $date = new DateTime('2024-08-20');, the call echo $date->format('d.m.Y'); prints 20.08.2024. format('H:i:s') gives the time, format('Y-m-d') the date.

Because the format characters match date(), switching between the two is easy.

Exercise Format a DateTime object

Create an object with new DateTime('2024-08-20') and assign it to $date. Then print it with echo $date->format('d.m.Y');.

Show example solution

Create with $date = new DateTime('2024-08-20'); then add echo $date->format('d.m.Y');
Example solution:
<?php
date_default_timezone_set('UTC');

$date = new DateTime('2024-08-20');
echo $date->format('d.m.Y');

Test yourself

What does the DateTime class's format() method return?
- A timestamp (integer)
- A new DateTime object
- A formatted date string
- A boolean
Show answer

A formatted date string — Correct. format() returns a formatted date string.

Create a DateTime for a specific date

$date = new DateTime('____');

Show answer

$date = new DateTime('2024-06-15');

Match DateTime usages

new DateTime()

Current time
new DateTime('2024-01-15')

A specific date
->format('Y')

Year string
->format('H:i:s')

Time string

Next lesson: DateInterval and DatePeriod

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