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# date

Creates and returns a new date object set to the current date and time.

```
+ (instancetype) date;
```

## Return Value

A new date object set to the current date and time.

## Discussion

This method uses the default initializer method for the class, [`init()`](/documentation/Foundation/NSDate/init()).

The following code sample shows how to use [`date`](/documentation/Foundation/NSDate/date) to get the current date:

```objc
NSDate *today = [NSDate date];
```

## See Also

  [Date and Time Programming Guide](https://developer.apple.com/library/archive/documentation/Cocoa/Conceptual/DatesAndTimes/DatesAndTimes.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/10000039i)

  [Property List Programming Guide](https://developer.apple.com/library/archive/documentation/Cocoa/Conceptual/PropertyLists/Introduction/Introduction.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/10000048i)


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