How to Create a Simple Digital Clock in Javascript

Fanny NyayicFanny Nyayic
2 min read

In this step-by-step guide, we'll explore the fascinating world of web development by creating a simple yet sleek digital clock using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. This is a simple project to practice your Javascript.

Step 1: Set Up Your Project

Create a new folder for your project and inside it, create a file: index.html . Alternatively, you can create three files: index.html, styles.css, and script.js.

In this case, I will just create one and it in a code editor of your choice.

Step 2: HTML Structure

In the index.html file, and set up the basic HTML structure. It will look like this:

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
    <meta charset="UTF-8">
    <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
    <title>Digital Clock</title>
</head>
<body>
    <div class="clock">
        <div id="time"></div>
    </div>
</body>
</html>

If you created three files. Link the CSS file for styling and the JavaScript file for functionality. It will Look like this:

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
    <meta charset="UTF-8">
    <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
    <title>Digital Clock</title>
    <link rel="stylesheet" href="styles.css">
</head>
<body>
    <div class="clock">
        <div id="time"></div>
    </div>
    <script src="script.js"></script>
</body>
</html>

Step 3: CSS Styling

In the styles.css file, style the clock to make it visually appealing.

body{
      display: flex;
      justify-content: center;
      align-items: center;
      height: 100vh;
      margin: 0;
      background-color: #f2f2f2;
   }
   .clock{
      font-family: Arial, sans-serif;
      font-size: 2em;
      color:#fff;
      background-color: #052727;
      padding: 40px;
      border-radius: 15px;
 }

Step 4: JavaScript Functionality

In the script.js file, and write JavaScript code to create and update the digital clock.

function updateClock() {
    const now = new Date();
    const hours = now.getHours().toString().padStart(2, '0');
    const minutes = now.getMinutes().toString().padStart(2, '0');
    const seconds = now.getSeconds().toString().padStart(2, '0');
    const timeString = `${hours}:${minutes}:${seconds}`;

    document.getElementById('time').innerText = timeString;
}
// Update the clock every second
setInterval(updateClock, 1000);

// Initial call to display the clock immediately
updateClock();

Step 5: Understanding the Code

  • The updateClock function gets the current time, formats it, and updates the content of the HTML element with the id time.

  • The setInterval function is used to call updateClock every second, creating a real-time updating clock.

  • The initial call to updateClock ensures that the clock is displayed immediately when the page loads.

Step 6: Testing

Save all the files and open the index.html file in a web browser. You should see a simple and functional digital clock displaying the current time.

Watch Video Tutorial

Congratulations! You have successfully created a digital clock using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Feel free to customize the styles or add additional features to enhance the clock based on your preferences.

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Written by

Fanny Nyayic
Fanny Nyayic

a passionate web developer, tech writer, open-source contributor & a life long learner.