Unix Timestamp Converter
Convert Unix timestamps (epoch time) to human readable dates and vice versa. Essential tool for developers and system administrators.
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What is a Unix Timestamp?
A Unix timestamp (also known as epoch time) is the number of seconds that have elapsed since January 1, 1970, at 00:00:00 UTC (Coordinated Universal Time). This system is widely used in programming and computing because:
- Universal: Same timestamp represents the same moment worldwide
- Simple: Just a single number instead of complex date strings
- Precise: Can represent any moment in time with second precision
- Mathematical: Easy to perform calculations (add/subtract seconds)
Common Use Cases
Software Development
Convert database timestamps, API responses, and log file entries to readable dates.
Database Management
Understand when records were created or updated by converting stored timestamps.
System Administration
Analyze server logs, cron jobs, and system events using timestamp conversion.
Data Analysis
Convert timestamps in datasets to perform time-based analysis and reporting.
Example Conversions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Unix time start in 1970?
January 1, 1970 was chosen as the Unix epoch because it was a convenient date close to the development of Unix systems, and it's a round number that's easy to work with.
What's the difference between Unix time and epoch time?
They're the same thing! "Unix timestamp," "epoch time," and "POSIX time" all refer to seconds since January 1, 1970, 00:00:00 UTC.
What happens in 2038?
The "Year 2038 problem" affects 32-bit systems that can't store timestamps beyond January 19, 2038. Modern 64-bit systems can handle dates far into the future.
Can I convert milliseconds?
Yes! Our converter can handle both seconds (10-digit timestamps) and milliseconds (13-digit timestamps) automatically.