Timestamp Meaning: Definition and Examples
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timestamp
[ˈtaɪmˌstæmp ]
Definition
recording time
A timestamp is a sequence of characters or encoded information identifying when a certain event occurred, usually giving date and time. Timestamps are widely used in various computing contexts, including databases and file systems, to track when a record was created or modified.
Synonyms
time code, time label, time mark.
Examples of usage
- The timestamp on the document indicates it was last updated at 3 PM.
- We need to include a timestamp for each entry in the log file.
- You can filter the results by date using the timestamp field.
Interesting Facts
Technology
- Timestamps are critical in databases, helping track the evolution of data and enabling features like version control.
- In programming, timestamps help in debugging and resolving issues by providing a clear timeline of events.
Science
- In scientific studies, timestamps are essential to record when observations were made, influencing the conclusions drawn.
- Chronobiology, the study of biological rhythms, uses timestamps to synchronize various life processes with natural cycles.
Pop Culture
- In movie editing, timestamps mark moments in raw footage, assisting editors in synchronizing sound and visual effects.
- Popular streaming platforms often include timestamps in video descriptions for easy navigation through scenes.
Social Media
- Platforms like Twitter and Instagram use timestamps to show when posts were created, giving context to conversations.
- Timestamps on messages in apps can clarify who said what and when, helping users understand the flow of discussions.
Origin of 'timestamp'
Main points about word origin
- The word combines 'time', from Old English 'tima', meaning a period or point, and 'stamp', which derives from Middle English 'stompen', meaning to impress or mark.
- It first appeared in the 1970s in computer science, indicating when a piece of data was created or modified.
The term 'timestamp' originates from the combination of 'time' and 'stamp', with 'time' referring to the progression of existence, while 'stamp' denotes an impression or mark made by a tool. The usage of timestamps dates back to the early days of record-keeping, when physical stamps were used to document the time a transaction or event occurred. With the advent of digital technologies in the late 20th century, the concept of timestamps evolved to include electronic formats, such as those found in computer systems and software applications. As technology advanced, timestamps became integral to data integrity and management, allowing for the tracking of changes, event logging, and coordination of activities across various platforms and time zones. Today, timestamps are essential in various fields, including programming, telecommunications, and digital forensics.