compare dates in String format

Question

I\'m getting two dates as String values and I wanted to check start time is earlier than the end time. I compare them as it is without converting them to date using Simple

Answer 1

Yes, it is better to convert the String to Date and compare.

1. It ensures they are actually valid dates so no 20-20-2012.
2. Once the conversion is complete only a single number comparison remains.
3. It allows for great flexibility when comparing dates of different formats.
4. The alternative is writing code that parses each number and compares it to the other, which is just as much work.