title: Does JavaScript Date object recognises the input datestring as UTC time or local time?
body: <p>There are already quite a number of questions regarding time, but I still couldn't find one that can answer my question. So, I have to apologise if this is a repeat. My question is this:</p>
  
  <p>I have a MySQL table column named <code>postDate</code> in <code>datetime</code> format. My server is on system time (UTC). I have the following php script:</p>
  
  <pre><code>&lt;script type='text/javascript'&gt;
   var expiry = new Date('$postDate');
   alert(expiry);
  &lt;/script&gt;
  
  $postDate = date("r", strtotime($postDate)); // sorry forgot to add this line
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>I just want to know, assuming <code>$postDate</code> is <code>2012-03-30 01:00:00</code>, and the client is on a +8hr time zone, what will he see on the alert? I.e. does JavaScript <code>Date</code> object recognises the <code>datestring</code> as UTC time or local time?</p>