Converting String to Datetime in Python with Milliseconds

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Summary: Learn how to convert a string to a datetime object in Python, including milliseconds, with examples and explanations.
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Working with date and time in Python often involves converting strings representing datetime information into actual datetime objects. This process becomes more intricate when dealing with milliseconds. In this guide, we'll explore how to convert a string with milliseconds to a datetime object in Python.

Using the strptime Method

The strptime method in Python's datetime module allows you to parse a string representing a date and time with a specified format. To include milliseconds in the format, use the %f directive, which represents microseconds.

Here's an example:

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In this example, %Y represents the year with century as a decimal number, %m represents the month, %d represents the day, %H represents the hour, %M represents the minute, %S represents the second, and %f represents the microsecond.

Handling Milliseconds as Microseconds

Python's datetime module does not directly support milliseconds in the %f directive. However, you can convert milliseconds to microseconds by multiplying them by 1000. Here's an example:

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This example shows how to convert a datetime object with milliseconds by first converting milliseconds to microseconds and then replacing the microseconds in the original datetime object.

Using Third-Party Libraries

Alternatively, you can use third-party libraries like dateutil to simplify the process. The dateutil parser can handle milliseconds directly. Make sure to install it first using pip install python-dateutil. Here's an example:

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This method is more concise and handles milliseconds without the need for specifying a format string.

In conclusion, converting a string to a datetime object in Python with milliseconds involves using the strptime method with the %f directive or utilizing third-party libraries like dateutil. Choose the method that best suits your needs and coding style.