Convert String to datetime in Python with milliseconds Precision

Learn how to easily convert a string to `datetime` in Python, including handling milliseconds. Step-by-step guide and code examples provided.
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How to Convert String to datetime in Python with Milliseconds Precision

When working with dates and times in Python, you may find yourself needing to convert a string representation of a date into a datetime object. This is especially true when dealing with timestamps that include milliseconds and timezone information. In this guide, we'll tackle the specific problem of converting a string into a datetime object using Python, particularly focusing on strings formatted with milliseconds.

The Problem

Suppose you have the following string:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Your goal is to convert this string into a datetime object. However, you've run into difficulties with the format string and haven't been able to get it right. Here's the code you've tried:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

As you can see, the format string you've used ("%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%S.z") is incorrect for handling the microseconds or milliseconds part of the date and the timezone.

The Solution

To successfully convert the string into a datetime object, you will need to use a proper format string that accommodates the milliseconds. Let's break down the solution into clear steps.

1. Correct Format String

The correct format string to use for parsing your date-time string is:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This format includes:

%Y: Year with century as a decimal number

%m: Month as a zero-padded decimal number

%d: Day of the month as a zero-padded decimal number

%H: Hour (24-hour clock) as a zero-padded decimal number

%M: Minute as a zero-padded decimal number

%S: Second as a zero-padded decimal number

%f: Microsecond as a decimal number (up to six digits)

%z: UTC offset in the form + HHMM or -HHMM

2. Using strptime Method

Now, let's see how to use the corrected format string with the strptime method from the datetime module:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

3. An Alternate Method: fromisoformat

As mentioned in the original question discussion, there is a simpler and more direct approach available in Python 3.7 and later. You can use the fromisoformat method, which is specifically designed for this task. Here’s how you use it:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Conclusion

Converting a string to a datetime object in Python can be straightforward once you have the right format string and understand the methods available. Whether you use strptime with an appropriate format or the more convenient fromisoformat, Python provides robust tools for working with date and time data. By following the steps outlined above, you can efficiently handle datetime strings that include milliseconds and timezone information.

Feel free to try out the provided code examples, and happy coding!