When working with PHP, you may need to retrieve Unix timestamp seconds from a date-time object. This guide explains the operation, shows what its arguments mean, and uses three separate examples to make the result easier to understand.
date_timestamp_get: Unix timestamps represent an instant independent of how it is displayed in a timezone.
What Is date_timestamp_get in PHP?
Retrieve Unix timestamp seconds from a date-time object. Unix timestamps represent an instant independent of how it is displayed in a timezone.
Syntax:
date_timestamp_get(DateTimeInterface $object): int
Parameters and return value: The signature above identifies the arguments and return type where the API has a single call. For topic guides, follow the sequence of calls in the examples. Always distinguish a returned value from an object or variable modified by reference.
Important: Timestamps count seconds; do not mistake them for JavaScript timestamps in milliseconds.
Example 1: Basic Usage
This example introduces the operation with a short and predictable input.
<?php
$date = new DateTimeImmutable("2026-01-01 00:00:00", new DateTimeZone("UTC"));
echo date_timestamp_get($date);
Output:
1767225600
The code focuses on the main operation. Unix timestamps represent an instant independent of how it is displayed in a timezone.
Example 2: Another Case
Now compare a different input, locale, date, or option to see another part of the behavior.
<?php
$date = new DateTimeImmutable("2026-01-01 01:00:00", new DateTimeZone("Europe/Paris"));
echo date_timestamp_get($date);
Output:
1767225600
What changes? Timestamps count seconds; do not mistake them for JavaScript timestamps in milliseconds.
Practical Example: Applying It in an Application
Use the following separate example as a starting point for a small application task. Check any extension or environment requirements below before running it.
<?php
$date = new DateTimeImmutable("2026-10-16 12:00:00", new DateTimeZone("UTC"));
$eventRecord = ["timestamp" => date_timestamp_get($date), "zone" => "UTC"];
print_r($eventRecord);
Output:
Array
(
[timestamp] => 1792152000
[zone] => UTC
)
The practical example demonstrates how to apply this operation to multiple values, a reusable task, or a validated input. Unix timestamps represent an instant independent of how it is displayed in a timezone.
Important Behavior and Edge Cases
- Core behavior: Unix timestamps represent an instant independent of how it is displayed in a timezone.
- Inputs and results: Timestamps count seconds; do not mistake them for JavaScript timestamps in milliseconds.
- Alternatives: date_timestamp_set() assigns a Unix timestamp to a mutable DateTime.
Comparison With Related Functions
| Function or Approach | When to Use It |
|---|---|
date_timestamp_get | Retrieve unix timestamp seconds from a date-time object. |
| Related PHP approach | date_timestamp_set() assigns a Unix timestamp to a mutable DateTime. |
Common Beginner Mistakes
| Mistake | Correct Approach |
|---|---|
| Using an incorrect input or option | Timestamps count seconds; do not mistake them for JavaScript timestamps in milliseconds. |
| Confusing this API with a related operation | date_timestamp_set() assigns a Unix timestamp to a mutable DateTime. |
| Assuming output is identical across environments | Check return values and required extensions or versions. Use explicit locale, timezone or encoding settings when they affect the result. |
Key Takeaways
- date_timestamp_get helps you retrieve Unix timestamp seconds from a date-time object.
- Unix timestamps represent an instant independent of how it is displayed in a timezone.
- Timestamps count seconds; do not mistake them for JavaScript timestamps in milliseconds.
Use date_timestamp_get when you need to retrieve Unix timestamp seconds from a date-time object. Start with the first example, compare the second, and adapt the practical example to your inputs. Confirm the return value and environment requirements before adding it to production code.