How to Determine File Creation Dates in PHP: Windows vs. Unix?

Determining File Creation Date in PHP

This query pertains to obtaining the creation date of files while iterating through a directory. Since there appears to be no direct function for this specific purpose, the question arises.

Solution:

For retrieving the file's creation timestamp, it is recommended to utilize the filectime() function. Notably, the behavior of this function varies depending on the operating system:

• Windows: It returns the creation time of the file.
• Unix: It returns the change time of the file.

Distinction between Creation and Change Time:

It's crucial to understand that Unix does not record a specific creation date for files in most filesystems. Instead, the change time is the closest approximation.

Additional Note:

Some Unix documentation erroneously refers to the change time (ctime) as the creation time. However, this is incorrect, as there is no genuine creation time available for most Unix filesystems.

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