Working with dates is a common task in web development, and sometimes, you may need to display the year in a 2-digit format (like 24 instead of 2024) in PHP.
In this article, we'll walk through different methods to achieve this, along with step-by-step explanations, code snippets, a complete code example, and important tips to avoid common mistakes.

Let's dive right in! 

 Step-by-Step Explanation

PHP provides several ways to format dates. The easiest and most reliable way to get a 2-digit year is by using the date() function.

✅ Method 1: Using date() Function

The date() function in PHP formats a local date and time according to a specified format.

• To get a 2-digit year, use the format character y (lowercase y).

Code Snippet:

<?php
echo date("y"); 
?>

 Explanation:

• "y" returns the year as two digits (e.g., 24 for 2024, 99 for 1999).

• date() uses the current server date and time unless otherwise specified.

✅ Method 2: Using DateTime Object

If you're working with objects or need more flexibility (like formatting a specific date), using the DateTime class is a modern and preferred approach.

 Code Snippet:

<?php
$date = new DateTime();
echo $date->format("y");
?>

 Explanation:

• new DateTime() creates a new DateTime object with the current date and time.

• format("y") gives the 2-digit year.

✅ Method 3: Formatting a Specific Date

You might not always want the current year. You can easily format a custom date:

 Code Snippet:

<?php
$date = new DateTime('2001-05-21');
echo $date->format('y');  // Output: 01
?>

 Explanation:

• You pass a custom date string into new DateTime('YYYY-MM-DD').

• Then format it to display only the two-digit year.

 Complete Example: Full Program

Here's a full PHP script demonstrating all three methods:

<?php
// Method 1: Using date() function
echo "Current 2-digit year using date(): " . date("y") . "<br>";

// Method 2: Using DateTime object
$today = new DateTime();
echo "Current 2-digit year using DateTime: " . $today->format("y") . "<br>";

// Method 3: Using a specific date
$specificDate = new DateTime('1995-08-15');
echo "2-digit year for specific date (1995-08-15): " . $specificDate->format("y") . "<br>";
?>

 Sample Output:

Current 2-digit year using date(): 24
Current 2-digit year using DateTime: 24
2-digit year for specific date (1995-08-15): 95

 Tips for Working with 2-Digit Years

• Prefer DateTime when you are working with user inputs, database dates, or require timezone adjustments.

• Use lowercase y for two digits and uppercase Y for four digits:

  • date("y") → 24

  • date("Y") → 2024

• Always sanitize external date inputs if they come from users.

 Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Using the wrong format character:
  Be careful — using Y instead of y will give you a 4-digit year!

  echo date("Y"); // Outputs 2024, not 24
  

• Assuming server timezone is correct:
  By default, PHP uses the server's timezone setting. If your application is timezone-sensitive, set it explicitly:

  date_default_timezone_set('America/New_York');
  

• Empty or incorrect date input:
  If you are formatting a custom date and it's wrong or empty, DateTime might throw an error. Always validate your input before creating a DateTime object.

 Summary

Whether you need the current year's last two digits or want to format any specific date neatly, PHP makes it simple with its powerful date handling functions.

✅ Now you know exactly how to get the year in 2 digits in PHP — along with pro tips to keep your code clean and error-free! 

Would you also like me to show how to automatically handle leading zeros or output different separators (like slash / instead of space)? 
I can add that too if you want!