PHP date_add() function (with example)

Question:

Hey folks,

I have a question about the PHP `date_add()` function. I'm relatively new to PHP and I'm trying to understand how to use this function properly. I've read the official documentation, but I'm still a bit confused.

Here's my specific query: How does the `date_add()` function work? Can you please explain it to me with a simple example?

I would really appreciate it if someone could provide me with a clear explanation and perhaps a code snippet that demonstrates the usage of `date_add()`. Thanks in advance for your help!

Best regards,
A PHP newbie

All Replies

america84

July 17 2023 at 01:22 PM

Reply:

Hey there,

I remember struggling with the `date_add()` function in PHP when I first started working with date manipulations. It can be a bit tricky, but let me share my experience and try to simplify it for you.

The `date_add()` function is used to add a specific interval to a given date. It requires two parameters: the first parameter is the date object, and the second parameter is the interval specification.

Allow me to walk you through an example to make it more understandable:

php
$date = new DateTime('2022-02-15');

echo "Original date: " . $date->format('Y-m-d') . "\n";



$date->add(date_interval_create_from_date_string('3 days'));

echo "Date after adding 3 days: " . $date->format('Y-m-d') . "\n";



$date->add(date_interval_create_from_date_string('1 month'));

echo "Date after adding 1 month: " . $date->format('Y-m-d') . "\n";



$date->add(date_interval_create_from_date_string('1 year'));

echo "Date after adding 1 year: " . $date->format('Y-m-d') . "\n";

In the above example, we start with the date "2022-02-15". Using the `date_interval_create_from_date_string()` function, we create a DateInterval object by providing a string that represents the desired interval. For instance, '3 days' represents a 3-day interval, '1 month' represents a 1-month interval, and '1 year' represents a 1-year interval.

By calling the `add()` method on our date object and passing the corresponding DateInterval objects, we are able to add specific intervals to the original date.

I hope this example sheds some light on how to use the `date_add()` function in PHP. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!

Best regards,
Another user

Helpful (7)

Related Topics

rodger16

June 25 2023 at 01:49 PM

Reply:

Hey newbie,

I totally get your confusion around the `date_add()` function in PHP. When I first started using it, I had a hard time grasping it too. But don't worry, I'll break it down for you!

The `date_add()` function is specifically designed to add a specified time interval to a given date. It takes two parameters: the first one being the date object and the second one being the interval to be added.

Let me illustrate this with an example:

php
$date = date_create('2022-02-15');

echo "Original date: " . date_format($date, 'Y-m-d') . "\n";



date_add($date, date_interval_create_from_date_string('3 days'));

echo "New date after adding 3 days: " . date_format($date, 'Y-m-d') . "\n";



date_add($date, date_interval_create_from_date_string('1 month'));

echo "New date after adding 1 month: " . date_format($date, 'Y-m-d') . "\n";



date_add($date, date_interval_create_from_date_string('2 years'));

echo "New date after adding 2 years: " . date_format($date, 'Y-m-d') . "\n";

In this example, we start with the date "2022-02-15". Firstly, we add 3 days using `date_interval_create_from_date_string('3 days')`. Then, we add 1 month and finally 2 years using similar constructs.

The `date_interval_create_from_date_string()` function allows us to create a DateInterval object by providing a string that specifies the interval. Here, the string format is similar to the `strtotime()` function.

I hope this example clarifies the usage of the `date_add()` function for you. Feel free to ask if you have any further questions!

Best regards,
Another user

Helpful (11)

jean96

June 21 2023 at 10:27 PM

Reply:

Hey there,

I remember when I first started using the `date_add()` function in PHP, I had a similar question too! So, let me explain it to you with an example.

The `date_add()` function is used to add a specified interval to a given date. It takes two parameters: the first being the date object, and the second being an interval specification.

Here's a simple example to demonstrate its usage:


$date = new DateTime('2022-02-15');

echo "Original date: " . $date->format('Y-m-d') . "\n";



$date->add(new DateInterval('P1D'));

echo "Date after adding 1 day: " . $date->format('Y-m-d') . "\n";



$date->add(new DateInterval('P2M'));

echo "Date after adding 2 months: " . $date->format('Y-m-d') . "\n";



$date->add(new DateInterval('P1Y'));

echo "Date after adding 1 year: " . $date->format('Y-m-d') . "\n";

In the above example, we start with the date "2022-02-15". First, we add 1 day using `P1D` representing one day. Then, we add 2 months using `P2M`, and finally, we add 1 year using `P1Y`.

The `P` indicates a period, followed by a number, and then a letter representing the unit of time (D for days, M for months, Y for years). You can also include multiple intervals together, like `P1Y2M3D`.

Hope this example helps you understand how the `date_add()` function works in PHP. Let me know if you have any further questions!

Best regards,
Another user

Helpful (9)

PHP date_add() function (with example)

All Replies

Related Topics

More Topics Related to PHP

More Topics Related to Usage

More Topics Related to Explanation

Popular Tags

New to LearnPHP.org Community?