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phpoptimizationtimestamppagespeed

Calling time() multiple times bad?

I was just going through some code and was wondering if it is bad to call time() multiple times on a page?

Yes, I know that it will work when called repeatedly, but will there be a big speed difference?

Option #1: Call time() whenever you need the current Unix timestamp.

Option #2: Set a variable $timestamp = time(); and call the variable whenever the time is needed.
Solution

  • That depends on the situation. Some scripts run for more than a few seconds, some could run for hours. Then the new value of time() would be wanted.

    If a difference in time that is shorter than the time it takes for your php code to execute won't cause any problems then you might as well use Option #2 since it is slightly faster. But, the speed difference is negligible unless you make tons of calls to time().