Python strftime - date without leading 0?

Platform specific nuances and workarounds

In a perfect world, date formatting would be hassle-free. But we're programmers, so let's buckle up and embrace the chaos:

Directives of strftime and platforms

Orientation within the various interpretations of strftime directives:

• Unix/Linux/OS X: Paddle on the swift %-d and %-m stream.
• Windows: Although not documented formally, %#d and %#m are trusty sidekicks.

More arrows in our Python quiver

The format method

When the lion of strftime roars too loud, let the mouse of format sneak in:

date_obj = datetime(2023, 4, 1)
formatted_date = "{0}/{1}".format(date_obj.month, date_obj.day)
print(formatted_date)  # '4/1', piece of cake!
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Making use of f-strings

Our f-string buddies since Python 3.6 offer a stylish handshake for inline formatting:

formatted_date = f"{date_obj.month}/{date_obj.day}"
print(formatted_date)  # '4/1', easy peasy lemon squeezy!
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Post-processing using the replace method or regex

When direct routes are jammed, we detour:

formatted_date = date_obj.strftime("%m/%d").replace("/0", "/").lstrip("0")
print(formatted_date)  # '4/1', now we're talking!
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Pearls of wisdom about compatibility

Under Python's gentle ripples, the tidal wave of strftime relies on the wind of OS-dependent C libraries:

• GNU C Library supports %e for a day in the month with space-padding, which can be vacuumed away using Python's strip().
• Tread careful while tiptoeing on the tightrope of compatibility. Always, I repeat, always test your date formatting across targeted platforms.

Pro tactics for date formatting

Beyond the horizon of basics

• strptime for parsing: Use datetime.strptime('4/1', '%m/%d'), a loyal compadre who can read our formatted dates.
• Locale considerations: %b for abbreviated month names can save from the confusion of cross-cultural date understanding (01/02 is "January 2nd" or "February 1st"? 🤔).

Making your date formatting gold

• Direct formatting: strftime. Like an expressway, for quick, clean, and compact code.
• Indirect formatting: String methods and regex. Like country roads, scenic but not the fastest route.

Helpful advice from experience

• Zero-Padding in ISO 8601: Retain ISO compliance even without leading zeros date_obj.isoformat().
• Leap year and Feb 29: Stay vigilant of these anomalies.
• Display vs. storage: Format for readability, but be sure to store in a standard format for compatibility.