How to Convert java.util.Date to String in Java

Question

How can I convert a java.util.Date object to a String with the format 'yyyy-MM-dd HH:mm:ss' in Java?

Date date = new Date(); // Assume this is your java.util.Date object
SimpleDateFormat sdf = new SimpleDateFormat("yyyy-MM-dd HH:mm:ss");
String dateString = sdf.format(date);

Answer

In Java, converting a `java.util.Date` object to a `String` representation is a common task, especially for logging and displaying date and time. The `SimpleDateFormat` class is helpful for formatting dates into specific string patterns.

import java.util.Date;
import java.text.SimpleDateFormat;

public class DateToStringExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        Date date = new Date(); // Current date and time
        SimpleDateFormat sdf = new SimpleDateFormat("yyyy-MM-dd HH:mm:ss");
        String dateString = sdf.format(date);
        System.out.println("Formatted Date: " + dateString);
    }
}

Solutions

  • Use the `SimpleDateFormat` class to define the desired date format.
  • Call the `format` method on a `SimpleDateFormat` instance, passing the `Date` object you want to convert.

Common Mistakes

Mistake: Forgetting to import the SimpleDateFormat class.

Solution: Ensure to include `import java.text.SimpleDateFormat;` at the beginning of your Java file.

Mistake: Using an incorrect date format string.

Solution: Double-check the format string (e.g., 'yyyy-MM-dd HH:mm:ss') to ensure it matches your requirements.

Helpers

  • java.util.Date
  • convert Date to String
  • Java date formatting
  • SimpleDateFormat example
  • Java date to string conversion
  • format Date in Java

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