Why Does `strftime(\'%s\')` Produce Inaccurate Epoch Time in Python?

Converting Python Datetime to Epoch with 'strftime': Understanding the Timezone Discrepancy

In Python, the 'strftime' method is commonly used to convert a datetime object into a string representing a specific date and time format. However, when converting to epoch time using '%s', it is essential to be aware of potential timezone discrepancies.

As you observed, using 'strftime('%s')' on a datetime object results in a value that differs from the actual epoch time in UTC by one hour. This is because 'strftime' by default uses the system's local timezone, which can introduce an offset from UTC.

Overriding the System's Timezone

To overcome this time zone issue, you can employ the 'timestamp()' method, which was introduced in Python 3.3. 'timestamp()' directly returns the epoch time in seconds, without regard for the system's timezone.

>>> datetime.datetime(2012, 4, 1, 0, 0).timestamp()
1333234800.0

For Python versions prior to 3.3, you can calculate the epoch time manually:

>>> (datetime.datetime(2012, 4, 1, 0, 0) - datetime.datetime(1970, 1, 1)).total_seconds()
1333238400.0

Why Not to Use 'strftime('%s')' for Epoch Conversion

It is crucial to avoid using 'strftime('%s')' for epoch conversion as Python doesn't inherently support this format. Its functionality relies on passing the input to the system's 'strftime' implementation, which may use the local timezone and introduce errors.

In conclusion, it is recommended to use the 'timestamp()' method in Python 3.3 or the manual calculation for earlier versions to obtain accurate epoch time conversions in UTC. By adhering to this practice, you can ensure consistent and reliable results, regardless of the system's timezone configuration.

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