? PHP date_create() & date_format()

? Quick Overview

The date_create() function creates a DateTime object, while date_format() converts that object into a readable date string. Together, they form the foundation of date and time handling in PHP.

? Key Concepts

• DateTime objects store date and time data
• Formatting controls how dates are displayed
• Supports custom formats and time zones

⚙️ Syntax / Theory

// Create a DateTime object
date_create(time, timezone);

// Format a DateTime object
date_format(date, format);

? Example 1: Using date_create()

This example creates a DateTime object for a specific date.

// Create a date for Christmas 2025
<?php
$date = date_create("2025-12-25");
echo date_format($date, "Y-m-d");
?>

? Example 2: Custom Date Formatting

// Format date with day name and time
<?php
$date = date_create("2025-12-25 10:30:00");
echo date_format($date, "l, F j, Y h:i A");
?>

? Example 3: Current DateTime

// Get current date and time
<?php
$current = date_create();
echo date_format($current, "D, d M Y H:i:s");
?>

? Visual Flow (Date Handling)

? Use Cases

• Displaying formatted dates in dashboards
• Logging timestamps
• User-friendly date output
• Time-based calculations