Unix timestamps, also known as POSIX time, Epoch time, or Unix Epoch time1, are integral to digital timekeeping in the realms of computing, programming, and system administration. This system represents time as the number of seconds elapsed since January 1, 1970, at 00:00:00 UTC, excluding leap seconds. It’s a straightforward method, widely adopted in the digital world for its simplicity and universality. Learn more about Unix Time
The Connection between AC (Anno Computatri) and Unix Timestamps
The concept of AC (Anno Computatri) is intrinsically linked to Unix timestamps, as both embody the digital era’s approach to timekeeping. While traditional calendars have been based on astronomical events like the rotation of the Earth or its orbit around the Sun, Unix timestamps signify a departure from these celestial references, focusing instead on a fixed point in digital history. This shift mirrors the broader transition from an agrarian, astronomically-focused society to a technology-driven era, where time is increasingly measured and experienced through digital means. History of Timekeeping Devices on Wikipedia
Unix timestamps are a cornerstone in this new epoch, serving as a common language in the digital world. They facilitate precise time measurement across different systems and geographical locations, a necessity in our interconnected, globalized society.
Differences in Application
Unlike traditional timekeeping methods, which find widespread use in everyday life and various fields such as agriculture, religion, and civil planning, Unix timestamps are primarily used in technical domains. They are crucial in programming, system administration, and network communication, providing a universal standard for time representation in these fields. This specialization reflects the evolving nature of timekeeping, where different systems coexist and cater to the specific needs of diverse domains.
In summary, the emergence of Unix timestamps and the concept of AC (Anno Computatri) signify a significant shift in how humanity perceives and utilizes time. This change is less about the abandonment of traditional systems and more about the diversification of timekeeping methods to suit the varied and complex demands of a rapidly advancing digital world. For a deeper dive into this topic, explore the resources available on Digital Revolution on Wikipedia.
- POSIX Time: This term is often used interchangeably with Unix timestamp. POSIX (Portable Operating System Interface) is a set of standards specified by the IEEE for maintaining compatibility between operating systems. POSIX Time refers to the system for describing points in time as the number of seconds elapsed since the Unix epoch.
Epoch Time: The term “epoch” refers to the starting point used to calculate the passage of time. In Unix systems, the epoch is January 1, 1970, at 00:00:00 UTC. Thus, “epoch time” is another way of referring to the Unix timestamp.
Unix Time: This is a more general term that refers to the system of timekeeping used by Unix and Unix-like operating systems. It includes the Unix timestamp but can also refer more broadly to how these systems handle and manipulate time.
Seconds Since the Epoch: This phrase is a descriptive way of referring to Unix timestamps, emphasizing the method of time calculation – counting the number of seconds since the Unix epoch. ↩︎