[Resolved] Problem with date() and timezones...

jek

I have coded my entire site using date() forgetting that my server uses a different timezone than I do (or rather want my scripts to do)...

Example: I have a database where every table has a field called date (format: YYYY-MM-DD). And I don't want users to be able to show files dated in the future. For this I have a simple script that checks if the date in the database is in the future (using date()).

So, my question is: Can I (using php) configure the date() function to use another timezone than the one the server is using..

What I want is something like: global date = GMT + X, so I don't need to recode every function that uses date()...

Thanks in advance / jek

jonathen

Don't know if there's a function to do what you want, but if there is not and you do need to change every single function using date() then I would recommend ultraedit (www.ultraedit.com) which will allow you to open all the files containing this function, then you simply select the find and replace tool, and tell it to find and replace all instances of the function with the updated function - in all open files. It will only take you 10 seconds to update (and save all files at once)

HTH

Jonathen

jek

Thanks for the suggestion mate, but I have allready considered that, and it's bound to make some problems for me 🙂

But it's a last resort at least.

BTW, UltraEdit is truly great, I have been using it for while.

jek

Okay... Doesn't seem like I have a choice... Guess I have to replace all the date() functions for something else... But what..?

So, new question:

What function can I use to get the current date (formatted: YYYY-MM-DD) in a specified timezone (sweden that is, GMT +1 if I'm remembering correct).

Example:

$current_date = date('Y-m-d', timezone=swedish)

Thanks again / jek

matt_4013

Hi there, use the time() function to get a current timestamp, then adjust that to whatever offset you need, then use it in the date() function.

$GMTOffset = 9.5;

$CurrentDate = date("Y-m-d", time() + ($GMTOffset * 60 * 60));

Hope that helps!
Matt

jek

It helps alot mate.

In fact, it's exactly what I wanted. Thanks.

matt_4013

Actually, I was just thinking, if your server isn't set to GMT this wont work, time() will use the local timezone settings. Gimme a sec, I'll figure out something else 🙂

matt_4013

Give this a go:

// Set the GMT Offset
$GMTOffset = 9.5;

// Get Current GMT time as a timestamp
$GMTimestamp = strtotime(gmdate("Y-m-d"));

// Add your Offset to it
$CurrentDate = date("Y-m-d", $GMTimestamp + ($GMTOffset * 60 * 60));

I couldn't find a better way to do that, which strikes me as strange. Seems like the type of function that PHP would usually have. Heh, maybe I can write it and contribute to the community 😉

jek

Okay... Im not in need of my local time though, I only need the date, and the little snippet you posted seemed to work great at doing that... But I guess I could have the use for the time aswell in the future...

So if you want to give it a shot, you're most welcome mate.

Got to go now, I'll check back in a couple of hours.

matt_4013

The problem with the first routine I gave you was that, say for example you want to get the time for Australian Central Standard Time, which has a GMT offset of +9.5 hrs, you would think you just have to do $GMTOffset = 9.5;. But this will only work if your server is set to GMT. If it's say, sitting in Sweden, and set to GMT +1hr, then effectively you're going to get a date for GMT +10.5, instead of +9.5. So, we use the strtotime() function, with the gmdate() function as a parameter to get the current timestamp for GMT, then use that in the date() function to create your offset 🙂

Hell, it's not gonna make a huge difference, if your date refers to midnight or something, it might be out, but it probably isn't a MAJOR problem, but it's those little things that make the difference between a hacker, and a GOOD hacker 🙂

jek

Hehehe... I'll just stick to the first routine you gave me. Thanks for your help mate.