Displaying a date and time in a localized format in WordPress using date_i18n

The WordPress date_i18n function is used to display the date and time in the localized format set by the site’s language and timezone settings. It can be useful for ensuring that the date and time displayed on a website are formatted according to the user’s preferences, making the content more accessible and user-friendly.

By using the date_i18n function, developers can easily ensure that the date and time displayed on their WordPress site are consistent with the site’s language and timezone settings, providing a more seamless and personalized experience for users.

Parameters accepted by date_i18n function

  • $format (string, required): Format to display the date.
  • $timestamp_with_offset (int/bool, optional, default value: false): A sum of Unix timestamp and timezone offset in seconds.
  • $gmt (bool, optional, default value: false): Whether to use GMT timezone. Only applies if timestamp is not provided.

Return value of date_i18n function

The function returns a string that represents the date, translated if the locale specifies it.

Examples

How to display the current date and time in the default WordPress format

<p><?php echo date_i18n( get_option( 'date_format' ) . ' ' . get_option( 'time_format' ) ); ?></p>

This code snippet uses the date_i18n function to display the current date and time in the default WordPress format, as specified in the site’s settings. The function retrieves the date and time format options using the get_option function and then formats the current date and time accordingly.

How to display a custom date and time format using WordPress date_i18n function

<p><?php echo date_i18n( 'l, F j, Y - g:i a' ); ?></p>

This code snippet uses the date_i18n function to display the current date and time in a custom format. In this example, the format includes the day of the week, the full month name, the day of the month, the year, and the time in 12-hour format with AM/PM indicator.

How to display the current date in a specific language using WordPress date_i18n function

<p><?php echo date_i18n( 'l, F j, Y', strtotime( current_time( 'mysql' ) ), true ); ?></p>

This code snippet uses the date_i18n function to display the current date in a specific language. The function accepts the date format, the timestamp, and a boolean parameter to indicate whether to translate the date. In this example, the date is displayed in the specified format and translated to the site’s language.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the date_i18n function is a powerful feature for developers to display dates in a localized format. By using this function, developers can ensure that their websites or applications are user-friendly and accessible to a global audience. With the ability to customize the date format and language, date_i18n provides a flexible solution for displaying dates in a way that is meaningful and relevant to users from different cultural backgrounds. Additionally, the function’s compatibility with WordPress makes it a valuable resource for developers working within the platform. Overall, the date_i18n function is a valuable addition to any developer’s toolkit for creating internationalized and user-friendly applications.

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