Which Java Class Should I Use for Handling Dates?

What is the correct class to use in Java for handling dates?

Java provides several classes for date and time manipulation, but the most suitable choice depends on your specific needs. Historically, the `java.util.Date` class was the primary class for date and time handling, but it has many flaws, leading to the introduction of the `java.time` package in Java 8, which is now widely recommended for new applications.

import java.time.LocalDate;
import java.time.LocalDateTime;
import java.time.ZonedDateTime;
import java.time.Instant;

public class DateExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        LocalDate today = LocalDate.now();
        LocalDateTime currentTime = LocalDateTime.now();
        ZonedDateTime zonedDateTime = ZonedDateTime.now();
        Instant timestamp = Instant.now();

        System.out.println("Today's Date: " + today);
        System.out.println("Current Date and Time: " + currentTime);
        System.out.println("Zoned Date and Time: " + zonedDateTime);
        System.out.println("Current Timestamp: " + timestamp);
    }
}

Causes

• Confusion due to multiple date libraries in Java.
• The legacy `java.util.Date` class is mutable and has several design flaws.
• The introduction of `java.time` package with better features.

Solutions

• Use `java.time.LocalDate` for representing dates without time zones.
• Use `java.time.LocalDateTime` for dates with time without time zone dependency.
• Use `java.time.ZonedDateTime` for dates with time in specific time zones.
• Utilize `java.time.Instant` for timestamps and working with epochs.

Mistake: Confusing `java.util.Date` with `java.time` classes.

Solution: Always prefer `java.time` classes for new applications due to their immutability and thread-safety.

Mistake: Not converting between time zones properly.

Solution: Use `ZonedDateTime` for working with time zones explicitly.