About Timestamp Converter
How to Use
- For timestamp to date conversion, simply paste your Unix timestamp into the 'Enter a timestamp' field and click 'Convert'.
- For date to timestamp conversion, use the 'Enter a date & time' section to input a specific date and time, then click 'Convert'.
- Your results are instantly displayed, showing the converted date/time in various formats, as well as the corresponding Unix timestamp.
- Use the 'Copy' button to easily grab any result you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Unix Timestamp?
A Unix timestamp, or Epoch time, represents a point in time. It is the number of seconds that have elapsed since 00:00:00 UTC on 1 January 1970, not counting leap seconds. It's a universal standard used across many programming languages and systems to represent time.
How do I convert a timestamp to a readable date?
To convert a timestamp to a date, enter the string of numbers (your timestamp) into the designated input field on our tool and press the 'Convert' button. The tool will automatically interpret the precision (seconds, milliseconds, or nanoseconds) and show you the corresponding date and time in both GMT and your local time.
How do I convert a date to a timestamp?
To convert a date to a timestamp, simply enter the year, month, day, hour, minute, and second into the respective fields under the 'Enter a date & time' section. Click 'Convert', and the tool will generate the equivalent Unix timestamp in seconds.
Does this tool handle different timestamp units like seconds, milliseconds, and nanoseconds?
Yes! Our converter automatically detects the length of the timestamp and determines if it's in seconds (10 digits), milliseconds (13 digits), or nanoseconds (16+ digits), providing you with an accurate conversion regardless of the precision.
What is the difference between timestamp and datetime?
A timestamp is a pure number representing seconds (or milliseconds) elapsed since January 1, 1970 UTC, independent of time zones. A datetime (like 2024-01-15 10:30:00) is a human-readable format typically associated with a specific timezone. Timestamps are better for computer storage and calculations, while datetimes are easier for humans to read and understand.
Why do programmers prefer using timestamps?
Programmers favor timestamps for three main reasons: First, timestamps are simple integers that are easy to store and compare. Second, timestamps are timezone-independent, making them universally consistent across the globe. Third, timestamps simplify time calculations—finding the duration between two points in time requires only basic subtraction.
How to get current timestamp in programming?
Different programming languages have their own methods: In JavaScript, use Date.now() for milliseconds. In Python, use time.time() for seconds. In Java, use System.currentTimeMillis() for milliseconds. In PHP, use the time() function for seconds. Each returns the current Unix timestamp in their respective precision.