Unix/Epoch Timestamp Conversions and Usages (What ?, Why ?, How ?)
What is the Unix timestamp? Unix timestamp is nothing but the number of seconds/milliseconds elapsed since 1970 Jan 1st to any particular instant of time. For example, the timestamp of 1970 Jan 1st, 1 am is 3600 (because the time difference from 1970 Jan 1st, 1am to 1970 Jan 1st is 3600 seconds ). ---------- ---------- -------- About 32-bit and 64-bit systems for timestamps ---------- ---------- -------- Few systems still store timestamps as a signed 32-bit integer, those services will cause problems from January 19, 2038. This problem is known as the Year 2038 problem Or Y2038 . Storing the timestamp as a 64-bit integer will be more future-proof for the long-term support. Timestamps can be represented in multiple forms: seconds, milliseconds, and nano-seconds. Seconds timestamp - This timestamp represents the count of seconds. Milli-seconds timestamp - This timestamp represents the count of milliseconds. Nano-seconds timestamp - This timestamp represents the count of nano-s