When you need to retrieve calendar time as milliseconds since the Unix epoch, 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::getTime 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::getTime in PHP?
Retrieve calendar time as milliseconds since the unix epoch. IntlCalendar represents a locale-aware ICU calendar. Month indexes are zero-based, while epoch time uses milliseconds.
Its syntax is:
$calendar->getTime(...)
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: getTime() returns milliseconds, not the seconds expected by PHP date functions.
Example 1: Basic Usage
This first example demonstrates how to retrieve calendar time as milliseconds since the Unix epoch with a small input.
<?php
$calendar = IntlCalendar::createInstance("UTC", "en_US");
var_dump($calendar->getTime());
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. getTime() returns milliseconds, not the seconds expected by PHP date functions.
<?php
$calendar = IntlCalendar::createInstance("UTC", "en_US");
$calendar->setTime(1700000000000);
echo $calendar->getTime();
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");
$millisecondTimestamp = $calendar->getTime();
$seconds = (int) floor($millisecondTimestamp / 1000);
echo gmdate("Y-m-d", $seconds);
The example keeps the operation visible and gives you a starting point for using it in an application. getTime() returns milliseconds, not the seconds expected by PHP date functions.
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: getTime() returns milliseconds, not the seconds expected by PHP date functions.
- Environment: The intl extension is required for this example.
Comparison With Related Functions
| Function or Approach | When to Use It |
|---|---|
IntlCalendar::getTime | Retrieve calendar time as milliseconds since the unix epoch. |
| Related PHP APIs | DateTimeImmutable is often simpler for Gregorian dates; IntlCalendar is useful for ICU calendar systems. |
Common Beginner Mistakes
| Mistake | Correct Approach |
|---|---|
| Assuming the function works on every kind of input | Follow the declared argument types and check the input format before calling it. |
| Ignoring the behavior of the result | getTime() returns milliseconds, not the seconds expected by PHP date functions. |
| Using the wrong related PHP API | DateTimeImmutable is often simpler for Gregorian dates; IntlCalendar is useful for ICU calendar systems. |
Key Takeaways
IntlCalendar::getTimehelps you retrieve calendar time as milliseconds since the Unix epoch.- IntlCalendar represents a locale-aware ICU calendar. Month indexes are zero-based, while epoch time uses milliseconds.
- getTime() returns milliseconds, not the seconds expected by PHP date functions.
- DateTimeImmutable is often simpler for Gregorian dates; IntlCalendar is useful for ICU calendar systems.
IntlCalendar::getTime is useful when you need to retrieve calendar time as milliseconds since the Unix epoch. Start with the small examples, then adapt the practical example while respecting its input and environment requirements.