how to make automatic copyright webpage footer in php using a function

Question

I want a code or function that will show copyright from starting year to current year.

Example

© 2012-2013
© 1998-2013

Answer 1

Current year only

&copy; <?php echo date("Y") ?>

With start year

&copy; 2008-<?php echo date("Y") ?>

Start date with error protection

<?php function auto_copyright($year = 'auto'){ ?>
   <?php if(intval($year) == 'auto'){ $year = date('Y'); } ?>
   <?php if(intval($year) == date('Y')){ echo intval($year); } ?>
   <?php if(intval($year) < date('Y')){ echo intval($year) . ' - ' . date('Y'); } ?>
   <?php if(intval($year) > date('Y')){ echo date('Y'); } ?>
<?php } ?>

Usage:

<?php auto_copyright(); // 2011?>

<?php auto_copyright('2010');  // 2010 - 2011 ?>