> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://ghom.gitbook.io/bot.ts/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://ghom.gitbook.io/bot.ts/utilities/dates-and-durations.md).

# Dates and durations

This section covers utilities for handling dates and durations using the `dayjs` library and the `tims` package. These tools allow you to manage time zones, format dates, and perform various date-related calculations easily.

***

## Locale Configuration

The locale for `dayjs` is determined by the environment variable `BOT_LOCALE`. When set, the corresponding locale file is imported, and `dayjs` is configured to use it. If the specified locale is incorrect, a warning is logged.

***

## Time Zone Support

`dayjs` is extended with time zone functionality using the `timezone` plugin. You can set a default time zone using the `BOT_TIMEZONE` environment variable.

***

## Plugins

The following plugins are extended in `dayjs` to enhance its capabilities:

* **UTC**: Handle UTC time formatting and manipulation.
* **Relative Time**: Display relative time (e.g., "2 hours ago").
* **Timezone**: Manage different time zones effectively.
* **To Object**: Convert date objects into simpler formats.

***

## Usage of `dayjs`

You can now utilize `dayjs` for various date manipulations and formatting:

### Example:

```ts
const now = dayjs() // Current date and time
const formatted = now.format("YYYY-MM-DD HH:mm:ss") // Format date
const utcDate = dayjs.utc(1) // Create a UTC date
```

***

## `tims` Package

In addition to `dayjs`, all exports from the `tims` package are available. This package provides additional utilities for displaying and calculating durations.

### Example:

```ts
import { since } from "tims"

const durationText = since(new Date(2022, 1, 1)) // "2 months ago"
```

***

## uptime

The uptime in milliseconds is provided from the utilities.

```ts
export const startedAt = Date.now()

export function uptime(): number {
  return Date.now() - startedAt
}
```

### Example:

```ts
import * as util from "#core/util"

function sendTheUptime(channel: app.SendableChannels) {
  return app.duration(app.uptime())
}
```

***