How do I format a date in JavaScript?

Formatting a date in JavaScript can be simple or a bit tricky, depending on the format you need. Here's how you can do it:

Using toLocaleDateString()

 This method is great for quick, readable formats based on the user's locale.

 Example:

const date = new Date();

console.log(date.toLocaleDateString()); // Output: e.g., "4/9/2025"

Custom formatting with getFullYear(), getMonth(), and getDate()

 If you need a specific format like YYYY-MM-DD, you can manually build it:

const date = new Date();

const formattedDate = `${date.getFullYear()}-${(date.getMonth()+1).toString().padStart(2, '0')}-${date.getDate().toString().padStart(2, '0')}`;

console.log(formattedDate); // Output: "2025-04-09"

Using libraries like date-fns or moment.js

 These make formatting way easier and cleaner:

// Using date-fns

import { format } from 'date-fns';

console.log(format(new Date(), 'yyyy-MM-dd')); // Output: "2025-04-09"

 Note: moment.js is now in maintenance mode, so libraries like date-fns or dayjs are preferred for new projects.

ISO format

 If you need a standard format, toISOString() gives you that:

  console.log(new Date().toISOString()); // Output: "2025-04-09T12:00:00.000Z"

In short, JavaScript gives you multiple ways to format a date—built-in methods for simple needs, and libraries for more control and cleaner code. Choose based on your use case and project size.