⏱ PHP time()

? Quick Overview

The time() function in PHP returns the current Unix timestamp, which is the number of seconds since January 1, 1970, 00:00:00 GMT. It is widely used for time calculations, comparisons, and date handling.

? Key Concepts

Returns current Unix timestamp in seconds
Timezone independent value
Commonly combined with date()
Useful for calculations and comparisons

⚙️ Syntax / Theory

? View Code Example

// Returns the current Unix timestamp
time();

? Example 1: Using time()

This example shows how to retrieve the current Unix timestamp.

? View Code Example

// Display the current Unix timestamp
<?php
echo time();
?>

? Explanation

The time() function outputs the total number of seconds elapsed since the Unix epoch.

? Example 2: Time Calculations

Using timestamps for future or past date calculations.

? View Code Example

// Calculate time for one day later
<?php
$time_now = time();
$one_day_later = $time_now + 86400;
echo "Current time: " . date("Y-m-d H:i:s", $time_now) . "<br>";
echo "One day later: " . date("Y-m-d H:i:s", $one_day_later);
?>

? Explanation

By adding seconds to the timestamp, we can easily calculate future or past dates and format them using date().

? Use Cases

Session expiration handling
Countdown timers
Logging events with timestamps
Comparing dates

✅ Tips & Best Practices

Always use seconds when working with timestamps
Format timestamps before displaying to users
Store timestamps in databases for flexibility

? Try It Yourself

Display the timestamp for one week later
Calculate seconds remaining today
Check if a timestamp is past or future