How do find difference between 2 dates in Python?

Question

This question is w.r.t Python 2.7.

I have the following time data in a CSV file - the format is MM-dd-yyyy HH:mm:ss:ffffff. I would like to find difference between 2 dates. The difference between 2 dates is usually in milliseconds.

I tried to use the following API to convert the str to a datetime object,

time_info = datetime.strptime(time_data_from_csv, '%m-%d-%Y %H:%M:%S')

I get the following error -

ValueError: time data '"12-31-2018 12:21:12.315948"' does not match format '%m-%d-%Y %H:%M:%S'

I also tried - '%m-%d-%Y %H:%M:%S.%f', to no avail (not sure if it was the right usage). Here, time_data_from_csv is a string variable. Any pointers would be appreciated.

I'm confused, you state the timestamp is in one format, try to use a different, un-matching format to parse it, and get an error saying it doesn't match. What's the question? (And you state the CSV data separates date components with "/", which doesn't line up with the code or example data.) — Dave Newton
– Dave Newton, Commented Feb 9, 2019 at 13:24
I updated my question, please check. I tried with the millisecond formatter too "%f". Did not work. I am suspecting if the single quote around the string data is '"12-31-2018 12:21:12.315948"', is causing trouble. — Deepak V
– Deepak V, Commented Feb 9, 2019 at 13:31

blhsing · Accepted Answer · 2019-02-09 13:35:17Z

1

You should include the double quotes in the format string since your time_data_from_csv variable has them, according to the error message:

time_info = datetime.strptime(time_data_from_csv, '"%m-%d-%Y %H:%M:%S.%f"')

edited Feb 9, 2019 at 13:35

answered Feb 9, 2019 at 13:24

blhsing

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2 Comments

Deepak V Over a year ago

Hi blhsing, thanks for that. As I mentioned in my updated question, that does not seem to work when I use the variable. The error has a single quote ' and double quote around the date, is it the problem?

Deepak V Over a year ago

Yep, as you rightly pointed out. That was the trouble. I fixed it. I answered it too. Thanks for your quick response, appreciate it!

Deepak V · Accepted Answer · 2019-02-09 13:36:28Z

0

I found the culprit. As I suspected, somehow the double-quotes were causing the trouble. I solved it by adding double-quotes to my format string. Thanks for all your attention and help!

datetime.strptime(time_data_from_csv, '"%m-%d-%Y %H:%M:%S.%f"')

answered Feb 9, 2019 at 13:36

Deepak V

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1 Comment

Dave Newton Over a year ago

"Somehow"? They're characters not in the format specifier.

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