Incorrect UNIX timestamp from String Date

Question

I am trying to convert a date in String format into UNIX timestamp, I am able to convert it but when I check the timestamp it displays incorrect date.

I am using the following code to convert a Date in String to Unix timestamp:

String selected_date = "16/11/2015 1:34 am";
        datetime.setText(selected_date);
        DateFormat dateFormat = new SimpleDateFormat("MM/dd/yy hh:mm a");
        Date date = null;
        try {
            date = dateFormat.parse(selected_date);
        } catch (ParseException e) {
            e.printStackTrace();
        }
        long unixTime = (long)date.getTime()/1000;

The output UNIX timestamp is: 1460309640

But when I convert that timestamp using a web tool it returns: 4/11/2016, 1:34:00 AM

Davide Lorenzo MARINO · Accepted Answer · 2015-11-12 17:53:54Z

5

The format

DateFormat dateFormat = new SimpleDateFormat("MM/dd/yy hh:mm a");

is not compatible with the string

String selected_date = "16/11/2015 1:34 am";

16 can't be a month!

2015 is not a year in two digits format

The right format seems to be (not sure if kk or KK depending on hours if 0 based or not)

DateFormat dateFormat = new SimpleDateFormat("dd/MM/yyyy kk:mm a");

edited Nov 12, 2015 at 17:53

answered Nov 12, 2015 at 17:42

Davide Lorenzo MARINO

27k4 gold badges45 silver badges58 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

5 Comments

Thomas Owens Over a year ago

In fact, it appears to be wrapping the date around. The output is 4/11/2016, which could be construed as the "16th month of 2015".

Jayson Tamayo Over a year ago

How do I make 2015 to 15?

Davide Lorenzo MARINO Over a year ago

yyyy for 2015, yy for 15

Basil Bourque Jan 11 at 7:53

This code ignores the crucial issue of time zone.

Davide Lorenzo MARINO Jan 14 at 9:05

@BasilBourque that is correct, but the original string to convert in a date is not considering it. So or the string must be changed in format or they don't need to know the time zone assuming that they are using the system time zone

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

Incorrect UNIX timestamp from String Date

1 Answer 1

5 Comments

Your Answer

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

1 Answer 1

5 Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Related