How to Convert Python datetime Objects to Formatted Strings

Learn how to correctly convert `Python datetime` to formatted strings with clear examples to avoid common mistakes.
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This video is based on the question https://stackoverflow.com/q/77174806/ asked by the user 'JD2775' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/4439019/ ) and on the answer https://stackoverflow.com/a/77174817/ provided by the user 'chrslg' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/20037042/ ) at 'Stack Overflow' website. Thanks to these great users and Stackexchange community for their contributions.

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How to Convert Python datetime Objects to Formatted Strings

If you've ever tried to convert a Python datetime object into a formatted string and ended up with an unexpected result, you're not alone. This common problem usually stems from minor mistakes in the formatting string used with the strftime method. In this blog, we'll explore how to properly convert a datetime object into a string in Python, ensuring that your output matches your expectations.

The Problem

Suppose you have the following code snippet:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Upon running this code, instead of getting the formatted string '20235409.105400', you might receive something like '20235409/25/23.105400'. This disparity can be confusing and hinder your application's functionality.

Common Mistakes

The issue chiefly arises from the usage of formatting directives in the strftime method. Let's break down the directives:

%Y: Year with century (e.g., 2023)

%m: Month as a zero-padded decimal number (e.g., 04)

%d: Day of the month as a zero-padded decimal number (e.g., 09)

%H: Hour (00-23)

%M: Minute (00-59)

%S: Second (00-59)

%D: Date in a compact format (MM/DD/YY)

What's Going Wrong?

In the original code, the following mistakes were made:

Incorrect use of %M: It stands for minutes but is incorrectly placed where the month is intended.

Incorrect use of %D: Rather than providing a compact date, you want to specify the day of the month with '%d'.

The Solution

To achieve the intended output, you should update your code like so:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Here's what this does:

%Y will give you the full year (e.g., 2023).

%m will give you the current month (e.g., 04 for April).

%d will give you the current day of the month (e.g., 09 if today is the 9th).

%H, %M, and %S will provide you with the hour, minute, and second respectively, all zero-padded when applicable.

Expected Output

With this correction, your output will now correctly read as something like:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Conclusion

By ensuring that you are using the correct formatting codes, converting a Python datetime object into a string can be both simple and effective. The key is to remember that:

Use %m for the month.

Use %d for the day.

Keep this guide handy for future reference to avoid common pitfalls in your datetime formatting!

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