PHP IntlCalendar::get() Method: Usage and Examples

When you need to retrieve a numeric field from a calendar, it helps to understand both the normal result and what changes with different inputs. This guide focuses on practical examples rather than repeating PHP background material.

IntlCalendar::get provides the behavior described below. IntlCalendar represents a locale-aware ICU calendar. Month indexes are zero-based, while epoch time uses milliseconds.

What Is IntlCalendar::get in PHP?

Retrieve a numeric field from a calendar. IntlCalendar represents a locale-aware ICU calendar. Month indexes are zero-based, while epoch time uses milliseconds.

Its syntax is:

$calendar->get(...)

Parameters and return value: Read the argument names and optional values in the signature above. Methods use an existing object, while stand-alone functions take direct arguments. The examples demonstrate the relevant arguments and the value returned or the object modified.

Important: FIELD_MONTH is zero-based in this API, unlike human month numbers.

Example 1: Basic Usage

This first example demonstrates how to retrieve a numeric field from a calendar with a small input.

<?php

$calendar = IntlCalendar::createInstance("UTC", "en_US");
echo $calendar->get(IntlCalendar::FIELD_YEAR);

The example uses the simplest useful form. IntlCalendar represents a locale-aware ICU calendar. Month indexes are zero-based, while epoch time uses milliseconds. The output may depend on the active ICU locale, PHP configuration, or input supplied to the function.

Example 2: Another Case

Here the input or option changes, making it easier to see where the behavior differs. FIELD_MONTH is zero-based in this API, unlike human month numbers.

<?php

$calendar = IntlCalendar::createInstance("UTC", "en_US");
echo $calendar->get(IntlCalendar::FIELD_MONTH);

Compare the result to the first example. DateTimeImmutable is often simpler for Gregorian dates; IntlCalendar is useful for ICU calendar systems.

Practical Example: Applying the Function

This standalone example shows how the same operation fits into a small application task. The intl extension is required for this example.

<?php

$calendar = IntlCalendar::createInstance("UTC", "en_US");
$calendar->set(2026, 9, 16);
echo "Year: " . $calendar->get(IntlCalendar::FIELD_YEAR);

The example keeps the operation visible and gives you a starting point for using it in an application. FIELD_MONTH is zero-based in this API, unlike human month numbers.

Important Behavior and Edge Cases

• Core behavior: IntlCalendar represents a locale-aware ICU calendar. Month indexes are zero-based, while epoch time uses milliseconds.
• Return value: Check the result separately from changes to passed-in arrays, iterators, or object state.
• Data constraints: FIELD_MONTH is zero-based in this API, unlike human month numbers.
• Environment: The intl extension is required for this example.

Comparison With Related Functions

Common Beginner Mistakes

Key Takeaways

• IntlCalendar::get helps you retrieve a numeric field from a calendar.
• IntlCalendar represents a locale-aware ICU calendar. Month indexes are zero-based, while epoch time uses milliseconds.
• FIELD_MONTH is zero-based in this API, unlike human month numbers.
• DateTimeImmutable is often simpler for Gregorian dates; IntlCalendar is useful for ICU calendar systems.

IntlCalendar::get is useful when you need to retrieve a numeric field from a calendar. Start with the small examples, then adapt the practical example while respecting its input and environment requirements.