In shell scripting and system automation, the Unix timestamp is the universal standard for logging events, naming files, or tracking time. It provides a simple, numeric representation of a point in time, making it incredibly useful for a wide range of tasks.
This guide covers three practical methods to get the current Unix timestamp directly from your command line, in both seconds and high-precision milliseconds. We'll also show you how to use a Unix timestamp converter to easily verify your results.
What Is a Unix Timestamp?
A Unix timestamp is the total number of seconds that have passed since the Unix epoch: January 1, 1970, at 00:00:00 UTC. Because it's a single integer, it's free from timezone complexities and easy for scripts to process.
- Seconds Timestamp (10-digit): The most common format (e.g.,
1754896707). - Milliseconds Timestamp (13-digit): Used for high-precision tasks (e.g.,
1754896707123).
Method 1: Using the date Command (The Standard Way)
The date command is the most common and direct way to get a Unix timestamp.
Get Timestamp in Seconds
To get the standard 10-digit timestamp, use the +%s format specifier.
date +%s
# Example Output: 1754896707
Get Timestamp in Milliseconds
On most modern Linux systems (using GNU date), you can combine %s with %N (nanoseconds) to get millisecond precision. We take the first 3 digits of the nanoseconds (%3N).
date +%s%3N
# Example Output: 1754896707123
Method 2: Alternative Commands for Compatibility (e.g., macOS)
The %N specifier is not available in all versions of date, particularly on macOS and other BSD-based systems. Here are compatible alternatives to get a millisecond Unix timestamp.
Using gdate on macOS
If you use Homebrew on a Mac, you can install coreutils to get the GNU version of date, typically called gdate.
# First, install coreutils: brew install coreutils
gdate +%s%3N
# Example Output: 1754896707123
Using Python or Perl
Most systems have Python or Perl installed, which can also provide a millisecond timestamp.
# Using Python
python3 -c 'import time; print(int(time.time() * 1000))'
# Using Perl
perl -MTime::HiRes -e 'printf("%.0f\n", Time::HiRes::time() * 1000)'
Method 3: Using a Unix Timestamp Converter for Verification
When writing scripts, it's essential to verify that your timestamp values are correct. A dedicated online Unix timestamp converter is the perfect tool for this, saving you time from running commands repeatedly.
The DevUtils Unix Timestamp Converter is a free tool that helps you:
-
Instantly paste a Unix timestamp generated from your shell to see its human-readable date.
-
Quickly convert any date to a timestamp to get the correct integer for your scripts.
-
Generate timestamps in other useful formats, like for Discord (
<t:1754896707:F>). -
Work securely, as all conversions happen in your browser.
Whether you're using the standard date command or a more compatible alternative, these methods make it easy to work with any Unix timestamp in your shell scripts. Always use a reliable Unix timestamp converter like DevUtils to validate your results and streamline your workflow.
