Unix Time Converter
Convert between Unix timestamps and human-readable dates
Unix time, also known as POSIX time or Epoch time, is a system for tracking time as a running total of seconds since the Unix Epoch - January 1st, 1970, at 00:00:00 UTC.
- Unix Epoch: The starting point (timestamp 0) is January 1, 1970, 00:00:00 UTC
- Unit: Measured in seconds since the epoch
- Format: A single integer number that increases by one every second
Unix time operates on these principles:
- Continuous Count: Every second that passes increases the Unix timestamp by 1
- Time Zones: Unix time is always in UTC, making it independent of time zones
- Leap Seconds: Unix time ignores leap seconds, maintaining a continuous count
- Conversion: To convert to human-readable time, multiply by 1000 (for milliseconds) and create a date object
Unix timestamps are commonly used in:
- Computer systems and operating systems
- Database timestamps
- File systems
- Programming and software development
- Log files and system records
- API responses and requests
What is the Year 2038 problem?
The Year 2038 problem refers to when 32-bit systems will run out of bits to store the Unix timestamp (on January 19, 2038). Modern 64-bit systems don't have this limitation.
Why do we use Unix time?
Unix time is used because it's simple, universal, and timezone-independent. It makes it easy to calculate time differences and store timestamps in a standardized format.
Can Unix time represent dates before 1970?
Yes, dates before 1970 are represented as negative numbers. However, not all systems handle negative Unix timestamps consistently, so it's best to avoid them when possible.