How to convert dateTime to epoch in python may sound like a really daunting task for those who first take a stab at it. Nevertheless, is the difficulty a truly harsh deal or just a trick on the eyes? Find out more with our in-depth guide to help you out of your struggle!

What Is Epoch Time In Python?

The epoch time, sometimes called Unix time, Unix timestamp, or POSIX time, is the seconds’ number that has transpired since January 1, 1970. The only omitted unit not included is leap seconds.

Such a measurement consists of 10 digits. As such, it also features the capability to represent all time zones simultaneously.

How to convert datetime to epoch in python?

Using strftime() Feature

The most feasible method to get epoch out of DateTime strings in Python or vice versa is to utilize strftime().

Let’s check out the following example:

Running the code:

# import datetime module
import datetime

# convert datetime to epoch using strftime from
# time stamp 2015/3/25/4/30/20

epoch1 = datetime.datetime(2015, 3, 25, 4, 30, 20).strftime('%c')
print(epoch1)

# convert datetime to epoch using strftime from
# time stamp 2018/8/20/5/1/5
epoch2 = datetime.datetime(2018, 8, 20, 5, 1, 5).strftime('%c')
print(epoch2)

# convert datetime to epoch using strftime from
# time stamp 2022/6/8/7/30/25
epoch3 = datetime.datetime(2022, 6, 8, 8, 30, 25).strftime('%c')
print(epoch3)

Output:

Wed Mar 25 04:30:20 2015
Mon Aug 20 05:01:05 2018
Wed Jun 8 08:30:25 2022

You can also replace the “%c” format with another format to return the desired results. The following is a list of all the format codes required by the 1989 C standard, which work on all platforms with a standard C implementation.

Use the timestamp() Feature

In case you are in Python 3.3+ or else, obtaining the time from epoch by using the timestamp() function is another blue-chip approach to go for to get a simple procedure that gives us precise results at the same time.

Running the code:

import datetime
times = datetime.datetime(2015, 3, 28, 0, 0).timestamp()
print(times)

Output:

1427500800.0

Use the Explicit Method

If neither of these above techniques attracts you, there’s a chance the Explicit method is what you are looking for.

Here is how the function applies itself to your math: The current date will be first explicitly subtracted from the beginning date, which is then transformed to seconds utilizing a display and the total seconds() function.

Take 1988/12/12, the initial date, as an example.

Running the code:

import datetime
time_score= (datetime.datetime(2015,3,28,0,0) - datetime.datetime(1988,12,12)).total_seconds()
print(time_score)

Output:

829612800.0

Conclusion

The information provided here is primarily all that is required for you to rack up ways to convert dateTime to epoch in Python. Make sure to reap the insights carefully so you can benefit wonderfully from them.

Also, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment if you have any further questions not yet resolved!