Timestamps in Python: datetime, time.time(), and Arrow
Handle timestamps in Python using datetime, time.time(), and the arrow library. Convert, format, and compare timestamps across timezones.
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Tags: developer-tools, timestamps, python
Timestamps in Python: datetime, time.time(), and Arrow Compared Python has multiple ways to get and manipulate timestamps, and they are not all equivalent. , , , and all behave differently in ways that cause real bugs. This guide covers what each one does, which ones to use, and when a library like Arrow is worth reaching for. --- time.time() — The Simplest Approach returns a float representing seconds since the Unix epoch. It is UTC by definition — the epoch is always UTC, and counts from there regardless of your local timezone. Use when you need: A raw Unix timestamp for storage or transmission Simple elapsed time measurements (though is better for that) A quick timestamp without datetime object overhead --- datetime.now() vs datetime.utcnow() vs datetime.now(timezone.utc) This is where…
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