Introduction to Timestamps

Origin: Timestamps were initially created to facilitate the recording and processing of time in computer systems. Inside a computer, it's much easier to handle numbers than complex date and time formats. A timestamp provides a unified and concise way to represent a specific moment.

Principle: A timestamp is usually a number representing a specific moment. It indicates the number of seconds or milliseconds that have elapsed from a fixed starting point (usually January 1, 1970, 00:00:00 UTC) to the specified moment. For example, a timestamp of 1630416000 means that 1630416000 seconds have passed since January 1, 1970, 00:00:00 UTC.

Application Scenarios:

• Database Records: In databases, timestamps are often used to record the creation and update times of data, facilitating data management and sorting.
• Cache Control: In web development, timestamps can be used to control caching, ensuring that users get the latest content.
• Log Recording: System logs usually include timestamps, helping developers and administrators track the sequence and time of events.
• Scheduled Tasks: In task scheduling systems, timestamps can be used to specify the execution time of tasks.