Converting ZonedDateTime to string

Question

I need to store the current time as a String in a database. The time can be in different timezones, so I\'m looking at using Java SE 8\'s new ZonedDateTime class.

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Answer 1

Generally speaking I would avoid relying on parsing the toString() representation of any class in my application. toString() is meant to provide a human readable version of a class so it's subject to change from relase to release.

I would suggest you to force the format to be the one that you expect, e.g applying:

String toStoreInDb = DateTimeFormatter.ISO_ZONED_DATE_TIME.format(zonedDateTime);
...
ZonedDateTime fromDb = 
ZonedDateTime.parse(stringFromDb, DateTimeFormatter.ISO_ZONED_DATE_TIME);

This way your application will resist to any toString() change. Moreover take a look at this bug: Bug in ZonedDateTime.parse()

Answer 2

Yes, that will accurately store the date, and using the .parse() method will allow you to use the other methods of ZoneDateTime. Though if you want to be able to use sorting functions with your db then you will need to either manually convert the ZonedDateTime into a timestamp or use your ORM's features to do it for you.