⏰ Timestamp Converter

What are Unix Timestamps?

Unix timestamps (also known as POSIX time or epoch time) are a system for tracking time in computing. They represent the number of seconds that have elapsed since January 1, 1970, at 00:00:00 UTC, not counting leap seconds.

🟢 Types of Timestamp Formats

🔴 Common Timestamp Pitfalls

Timestamp Usage in Computing

How to Work with Timestamps Effectively

Best practices for timestamp usage in applications:

1. Use UTC: Always store and transmit timestamps in UTC to avoid timezone confusion
2. Be Explicit: Clearly document whether you're using seconds or milliseconds
3. Validate Inputs: Check that timestamps are within reasonable ranges for your application
4. Handle Conversion: Convert to local time only at the presentation layer
5. Consider Precision: Choose the right precision (seconds, milliseconds) for your use case
6. Test Edge Cases: Test with timestamps around epoch, leap years, and DST transitions

Timestamp Conversion Best Practices

• Always specify the timezone when converting between timestamps and dates
• Use established libraries rather than manual calculations when possible
• Consider using ISO 8601 format for human-readable date representations
• Be aware of the Year 2038 problem for 32-bit systems
• Test conversions with known reference values to verify accuracy
• Document the timestamp format and precision in your code and APIs

Important Timestamp Reference Values