UNIX Date Command Examples

The date command in UNIX is used to display or set the system date and time. Here are some examples of how to use the date command in different ways:

1. Display the current date and time:
   date


   This will display the current date and time in the default format, which is usually something like “Fri Feb 18 12:15:30 EST 2023”.

2. Display the current date and time in a specific format:
   date +"%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S"


   This will display the current date and time in the format “YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS”, which is a common format used in databases and log files.

3. Set the system date and time:
   sudo date --set "2023-02-18 12:30:00"


   This will set the system date and time to “2023-02-18 12:30:00”. Note that you need to run this command as a superuser using sudo in order to be able to set the system date and time.

4. Convert a timestamp to a human-readable date and time:
   date -d @1645206300


   This will convert the Unix timestamp “1645206300” to a human-readable date and time. The output will look something like “Fri Feb 18 12:30:00 EST 2023”. (Xanax/a>)

5. Display the date and time in a specific time zone:
   TZ=Europe/London date


   This will display the current date and time in the time zone of London, UK. You can replace “Europe/London” with the name of any time zone that is supported on your system.