What are the advantages and disadvantages of using DateTime versus Timestamp in PHP for storing dates in a MySQL database?

When storing dates in a MySQL database using PHP, the DateTime class offers more flexibility and functionality compared to the Timestamp data type. DateTime allows for easy manipulation of dates, time zones, and formatting. However, Timestamp is simpler and more efficient for basic date and time storage. 

// Storing date using DateTime in MySQL database
$date = new DateTime('2022-01-01');
$formattedDate = $date->format('Y-m-d H:i:s');
$query = "INSERT INTO table_name (date_column) VALUES ('$formattedDate')";
// execute query

// Storing date using Timestamp in MySQL database
$timestamp = time();
$query = "INSERT INTO table_name (timestamp_column) VALUES ($timestamp)";
// execute query

Keywords

DateTime Timestamp PHP MySQL advantages disadvantages

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