date_diff - absolute parameter

[angeloghiotto]

What this parameter 'absolute' in DateTime::diff does? I have done some tests but i cant percept what is different when i set this parameter 'true'.

 

Can you explain to me?!

 

Thanks a lot.

 

Best regards.

[codeprada]

The absolute number of every number is returned. Meaning that you won't get a negative value when the date passed is lesser than the one being compared.

 

Example

<?php
#slight modification of the example on php.net
$datetime1 = new DateTime('2009-10-11');
$datetime2 = new DateTime('2009-10-13');
$nonabsolute = $datetime2->diff($datetime1);
$absolute = $datetime2->diff($datetime1, true);
echo 'Regular: ' . $nonabsolute->format('%R%a days') . '<br>';
echo 'Absolute: ' . $absolute->format('%R%a days');
?>