How can using the DATETIME format and NOW() function improve efficiency in handling date and time values in PHP?

Using the DATETIME format and the NOW() function in PHP can improve efficiency in handling date and time values by providing a standardized format for storing and manipulating date/time data. This helps ensure consistency and simplifies date/time calculations and comparisons. The NOW() function also allows for easily capturing the current date and time without needing to manually input the values.

// Example of using DATETIME format and NOW() function
$currentDateTime = new DateTime();
$currentDateTimeFormatted = $currentDateTime->format('Y-m-d H:i:s');

echo "Current Date and Time: " . $currentDateTimeFormatted;