Centum\Clock\MockClock

MockClock is designed for testing scenarios where you need to control or freeze the current time. It allows you to specify a fixed time and timezone, ensuring your tests are consistent and repeatable.

Constructor

Centum\Clock\MockClock(
    string $datetime = "now",
    ?DateTimeZone $timeZone = null
);

• $datetime: The starting point for the clock (default is "now").
• $timeZone: The timezone for the clock (default is system timezone).

Usage

Create a new clock instance:

use Centum\Clock\MockClock;

$clock = new MockClock();

You can specify a fixed time and timezone for testing:

use Centum\Clock\Clock;
use DateTimeZone;

$clock = new MockClock(
    "2024-01-01 12:00:00",
    new DateTimeZone("UTC")
);

Getting the Current Time

The now() method returns a DateTimeImmutable instance representing the Mock Clock’s current time:

$now = $clock->now();

$model->setDateUpdated($now);

Stopping and Starting Time

By default the clock is “stopped” — it will return the same time unless you modify it.

Use the start() and stop() methods to allow time to progress at it’s natural pace.

In this example, the clock will advance approximately 5 seconds:

$clock->start();

sleep(5);

$clock->stop();

Benefits for Testing

By injecting a clock with a fixed time, you can ensure your tests are consistent and repeatable, avoiding flaky tests caused by real-time changes.

$clock = new MockClock("2024-01-01 00:00:00");

$model->setLastUpdated(
    $clock->now() // Always returns the same value
);