Is it better to handle date formatting and validation on the client-side using JavaScript or on the server-side with PHP, considering user experience and data consistency?

Handling date formatting and validation on the server-side with PHP is generally better for data consistency and security. This ensures that the data is validated and formatted correctly before being stored in the database, reducing the risk of errors and inconsistencies. However, for a better user experience, you can also implement client-side validation using JavaScript to provide instant feedback to users before submitting the form.

<?php
$date = $_POST['date'];

// Validate date format
if (DateTime::createFromFormat('Y-m-d', $date) === false) {
    echo "Invalid date format. Please enter a date in the format YYYY-MM-DD";
} else {
    // Date format is valid, continue processing
    // Additional code here
}
?>