date

Current date as character vector

Syntax

c = date

Description

Note

The date function returns text that represents the current date. However, it is recommended that you use datetime values to represent points in time. To return the current date as a datetime value, use the datetime('today') syntax. Then convert the datetime value to text by using the char, cellstr, or string functions.

c = date returns the current date as a character vector in the format dd-MMM-yyyy.

This format represents the day of the month (dd) as a number, the month name (MMM) as its three-letter abbreviation, and the year (yyyy) as a number.

Examples

Return Current Date

To return the current date as a character vector, use the date function.

c = date

c = 
'01-Sep-2021'

Limitations

• date always returns the English abbreviation for the month name. The function does not take your system locale into account when determining the month name.

• MATLAB^® Online™ determines the current date from Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) rather than from local time.

Tips

• As an alternative, use the datetime function to represent the current date.

  d = datetime('today')

  The datetime function takes your locale into account. Also, you can specify the format that a datetime array uses to represent its values.

Extended Capabilities

Thread-Based Environment

Run code in the background using MATLAB® backgroundPool or accelerate code with Parallel Computing Toolbox™ ThreadPool.

This function fully supports thread-based environments. For more information, see Run MATLAB Functions in Thread-Based Environment.