Understanding and manipulating dates and times is a fundamental skill for any Python developer. Whether you’re dealing with timestamps, scheduling tasks, or calculating durations, Python’s datetime module has got you covered.
In this guide, we’ll demystify the intricacies of working with dates and times in Python, providing real-world examples to help you wield this essential tool with ease.
The Basics: datetime Module
The cornerstone of Python’s date and time capabilities is the datetime module. It offers classes for working with dates, times, and combinations of both. Let's start with the basics.
from datetime import datetime, date, time, timedelta
# Current date and time
current_datetime = datetime.now()
print(f"Current date and time: {current_datetime}")
# Specific date
specific_date = date(2023, 5, 15)
print(f"Specific date: {specific_date}")
# Specific time
specific_time = time(14, 30)
print(f"Specific time: {specific_time}")
# Creating a datetime object from date and time
combined_datetime = datetime.combine(specific_date, specific_time)…