PHP date_format() Function
Quick summary: The PHP date_format() function formats a DateTime object.
PHP date_format() Syntax
date_format(DateTimeInterface $object, string $format): stringPHP
PHP date_format() Basic examples
$dt = date_create('2026-02-08');
echo date_format($dt, 'Y-m-d');PHP
Output:
2026-02-08Formats a DateTime object.
PHP date_format() Real-world usage
$dt = date_create();
echo date_format($dt, 'H:i');PHP
Output:
12:34Formats the current time.
PHP date_format() Edge cases
var_dump(date_format(false, 'Y'));PHP
Output:
Warning: date_format() expects parameter 1 to be DateTimeInterfaceRequires a valid DateTime object.
PHP date_format() Common mistakes
Using date_format instead of ->format
Method syntax is often clearer.
Incorrect
date_format($dt, 'Y-m-d');Correct
$dt->format('Y-m-d');Prefer object-oriented syntax.
PHP date_format() Frequently Asked Questions
What does date_format() do?
Formats a DateTime object.
Difference from date()?
Works with DateTime objects.
Use case?
Formatting dates in OOP.
Returns string?
Yes.
Common mistake?
Passing string instead of object.
Performance?
Fast.
Supports formats?
Yes.
Alternative?
DateTime->format().
Safe?
Yes.
Timezone aware?
Yes.
Best practice?
Use object method.
Used in APIs?
Yes.