What are the advantages of storing timestamps as actual timestamps (e.g., using time()) rather than in a custom format?

Storing timestamps as actual timestamps (e.g., using time()) instead of in a custom format has several advantages. Firstly, it allows for easier manipulation and comparison of dates and times. Secondly, it saves storage space as timestamps are stored as integers rather than strings. Lastly, it simplifies date formatting and conversion when displaying or processing the data.

// Storing timestamp as actual timestamp
$timestamp = time();

// Example of retrieving and formatting the timestamp
$date = date('Y-m-d H:i:s', $timestamp);
echo $date;