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pythondatetimepython-datetimepython-dateutil

How to Have Python Make a Variable with a Data Two Years Ago from Todays Date

So I need to make a variable in python to have it send off today's date two years ago. I am having to automate a report in Salesforce using Selenium and need to have the form created by a send.keys() method from a variable.

enter image description here The variable I have for today's date is :

from datetime import date
import time
today = date.today()
current_date = today.strftime("%m/%d/%Y")

However, I need the past date to be that value printed from two years ago.

from datetime import date
import time
today = date.today()
past_date = today.strftime("%m/%d/%Y") - 2*(365)

However, I get this output:

>>> past_date = today.strftime("%m/%d/%Y") - 2*(365)
Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "<stdin>", line 1, in <module>
TypeError: unsupported operand type(s) for -: 'str' and 'int'

I presume it has something to with integer operations and string operations being in the same variable, thereby causing a string mismatch. Does anyone have a solution to help me get the date from two years ago in a dynamic way?

Solution

  • This can all be done with standard library.

    To specifically address your error, on this line you are turning the date into a string and then trying to subtract numbers from it.

    past_date = today.strftime("%m/%d/%Y") - 2*(365)

    However to solve your issue we can change the code up a little:

    from datetime import date
today = date.today()
current_date = today.strftime("%m/%d/%Y")

try:
    past_date = today.replace(year=today.year-2) # the 2 on this line is how many years in the past you need.
except ValueError:
    past_date = today.replace(year=today.year-2, day=today.day-1)

print(past_date)

    The try-except is to handle leap year issues.