How to get current timestamp in string format in Java? "yyyy.MM.dd.HH.mm.ss"

Taming time with java.time

"Java 8" showed us the future by introducing the futuristic java.time package. Here's how you wield time as a weapon with java.time:

// Look, Ma! Time travelling with Java 8!
DateTimeFormatter dtf = DateTimeFormatter.ofPattern("yyyy.MM.dd.HH.mm.ss");
String timeStamp = dtf.format(LocalDateTime.now());


Venture into newer territories with java.time, as it provides a compelling toolset for working with dates and times.

Time zones: Your secret weapon

Time zones are an essential, yet elusive part of working with date-times. Specify a time zone like a pro:

// Time traveling, zone-hopping, going places!
String timeStamp = dtf.format(LocalDateTime.now().atZone(ZoneId.systemDefault()));


This ensures that the temporal rift in the space-time continuum—I mean, your timestamp—reflects your local time.

The hidden dangers of SimpleDateFormat

Beware, SimpleDateFormat lures us with its simplicity, but is not thread-safe! In a multi-threaded Jedi battle—ahem—environment, prefer the immutable, thread-safe DateTimeFormatter. Avoid synchronization issues like the plague!

Graduating to java.time

Even old school Date and SimpleDateFormat are bowing to modern java.time API. This transition not just rejuvenates your application, but also paves the way for robustness and readability. Embrace java.time gradually, and you'll find date-time operations becoming more intuitive.

Mind the pitfalls

Watch out, time-traveller! Here be dragons:

• Thread Safety: Unlike DateTimeFormatter, SimpleDateFormat isn't thread-safe.
• API Misuse: Don't create new Date() without parameters if you are representing now.
• Format String Mishaps: Ensure your format string in SimpleDateFormat or DateTimeFormatter is exactly your desired output.
• Database Interactions: Mind the gap! For JDBC interactions, be wise and use JDBC 4.2 or above for seamless java.time support.

Unleashing java.time

Master java.time like a boss with these also-practical tips:

1. Substitute Instant for Date when storing timestamps.
2. ZonedDateTime is your friend when you need both date-time and time-zone information.
3. Embrace java.time’s immutable objects to keep unexpected side-effects at bay.