How to Format Dates in JavaScript

JavaScript offers a variety of ways to format dates, including using the date object, intl.DateTimeFormat and a number of date libraries. Here’s how to use each one. 

Written by Odumosu Matthew
Published on Nov. 12, 2024
Developer circling a date on a computer calendar
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As a developer, presenting dates in a readable and user-friendly format is crucial for enhancing the user experience. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into various techniques to format dates in JavaScript, exploring different libraries and native methods, and providing code examples for each approach.

3 Ways to Format Dates in JavaScript

  1. Use JavaScript’s native date methods.
  2. Use Intl.DateTimeFormat for international dates.
  3. Use JavaScript date libraries for more flexibility.

 

3 Methods to Format Dates in JavaScript

1. Using JavaScript’s Native Date Methods

JavaScript’s Date object offers several methods to retrieve individual date components, which you can then assemble into your desired format:

JavaScript date object code examples.
JavaScript date object code examples. | Screenshot: Odumosu Matthew

More on JavaScriptHow to Loop Through JavaScript Associative Arrays

2. Using Intl.DateTimeFormat

Here’s how to present international dates usingIntl.DateTimeFormat:

International date formatting in JavaScript.
International date formatting in JavaScript. | Screenshot: Odumosu Matthew

 

3. Using JavaScript Date Libraries 

Using libraries like moment.js, Deprecated, date-fns, Luxon or Day.js provides a more advanced and flexible date formatting options:

Date libraries in JavaScript
Date libraries in JavaScript. | Screenshot: Odumosu Matthew
A tutorial on how to format dates in JavaScript. | Video: dcode

More on JavaScriptA Guide to ESLint, Prettier, Husky and Lint-Staged

 

Best Practices to Showing Dates in JavaScript

1. Consider User Locale 

When using native methods or Intl.DateTimeFormat, consider your user’s preferred locale for proper date formatting.

2. Library Selection

While libraries provide powerful formatting capabilities, consider the trade-offs in terms of performance and bundle size.

3. Consistency 

Maintain consistent date formats across your application for a better user experience.

Formatting dates in JavaScript is a skill that enhances the usability of your applications. By leveraging JavaScript’s native methods or utilizing specialized libraries, you can easily customize date presentation to match your application’s needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common way to format dates in JavaScript is to use the date object:

  1. date.getFullYear(): Formats the full year 
  2. date.getMonth(): Returns the month.
  3. date.getDate(): Returns the day.

There are a few common JavaScript date libraries you can use for more flexible date options. These include: moment.js, Deprecated, date-fns, Luxon and Day.js.

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