Python's datetime Module with Examples

Dive into the Python datetime module. Our comprehensive guide explains datetime functions, date and time manipulation, and practical usage for managing time-related data.
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Edtoks2:19 min read

The datetime module in Python provides a wide range of functions and classes for working with dates and times. Here are some additional methods and functionality of the datetime module along with examples:

1. Date Formatting and Parsing:

datetime.datetime.strptime(date_string, format): Parse a string representing a date and time according to the given format.

from datetime import datetime

date_str = "2023-07-21"
date_format = "%Y-%m-%d"
date_obj = datetime.strptime(date_str, date_format)
print("Parsed Date:", date_obj)

2. Date Arithmetic:

datetime.timedelta(days=0, seconds=0, microseconds=0, milliseconds=0, minutes=0, hours=0, weeks=0): Represents a duration of time.

You can perform arithmetic operations with timedelta objects to add or subtract time from a datetime object.

from datetime import datetime, timedelta

now = datetime.now()
one_week_later = now + timedelta(weeks=1)
print("One week later:", one_week_later)

3. Comparing Dates:

You can compare datetime objects to determine which date is earlier or later.

from datetime import datetime

date1 = datetime(2023, 7, 21)
date2 = datetime(2023, 8, 15)

if date1 < date2:
    print("date1 is earlier than date2")
else:
    print("date2 is earlier than date1")

4. Date and Time Formatting:

datetime.strftime(format): Format a datetime object as a string using the specified format.

from datetime import datetime

now = datetime.now()
formatted_date = now.strftime("%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S")
print("Formatted Date:", formatted_date)

5. Time Zones:

Python's datetime module does not provide built-in time zone support. You can use third-party libraries like pytz for working with time zones.

from datetime import datetime
import pytz

utc_now = datetime.now(pytz.utc)
eastern_time = utc_now.astimezone(pytz.timezone("US/Eastern"))
print("Eastern Time:", eastern_time)

 

6. Date Arithmetic (Using timedelta):

You can perform arithmetic operations with timedelta objects to add or subtract time from a datetime object.

from datetime import datetime, timedelta

now = datetime.now()
one_week_later = now + timedelta(weeks=1)
print("One week later:", one_week_later)

These are some additional methods and functionality provided by the datetime module for working with dates and times in Python. The module is versatile and crucial for tasks involving date manipulation, formatting, and parsing.

 

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