Search code examples
javadatetimedatetimeoffset

Does Java 8's new Java Date Time API take care of DST?

I am thinking of using the new java 8 Date Time API. I googled a bit and found jodaTime as good choice for java but still kind of interested to see how this new API works.

I am storing all time in UTC values in my datastore and will be converting them to Local Time Zone specific value based on user's timezone. I can find many articles showing how to use new Java Date Time API. However I am not sure if the API will take care of DST changes ? Or do we have any better way of handling Date ?

I am just learning the new Date API , so thought of hearing your thoughts on handling the DateTime and displaying it on the basis of Users TimeZone.

Solution

  • It depends on which class you use:

    • Instant is an instantaneous point on the global time-line (UTC), and is unrelated to time-zone.
    • LocalDate and LocalDateTime have no concept of time-zone, but calling now() will of course give you your correct time.
    • OffsetDateTime has a time-zone, but doesn't support Daylight Savings Time.
    • ZonedDateTime has full time-zone support.

    Converting between them usually requires a time-zone, so to answer your question:

        Yes, Java 8 Date/Time can take care of DST, if you use it right.