RFC 3339: Timestamps for internet protocols

Summary

RFC 3339 defines an unambiguous profile based on ISO 8601 for date and time in internet protocols. Time data needs a shared syntax and still clear semantics. Machine readability does not prevent errors caused by wrong time zone assumptions.

Ideas

• Four-digit years avoid ambiguity.
• Time zone offsets accompany local times.
• A Z marks UTC.

Remarks

• RFC 3339 has the status “Proposed Standard”; current errata and successor documents should also be checked.

Recommendations

• Store event times preferably in UTC.
• Keep the offset and the original time zone when they matter.

References

• RFC 3339: Date and Time on the Internet: Timestamps

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