How to install pdd on Ubuntu if python-dateutil is missing?

pdd requires python-dateutil, which can be installed via 'sudo apt-get install python3-dateutil' or 'sudo pip3 install python-dateutil'. Without it, pdd won't run, so ensure dependencies are met first.

Can pdd handle business day calculations or account for holidays?

No, pdd focuses on simple date/time arithmetic and differences, not business logic. For advanced scheduling with holidays or workdays, consider tools like Python's pandas or dedicated business calendar libraries.

pdd vs the Linux date command: which is better for quick date math?

pdd offers more intuitive syntax for date differences and timers without memorizing complex formats, while date is more versatile for formatting but requires more options. pdd is ideal for straightforward calculations in scripts.

How accurate is the stopwatch in pdd for timing code?

The stopwatch has a default resolution of 3 milliseconds, but accuracy depends on system load and Python's time module. For microsecond precision, use specialized profiling tools like Python's timeit or perf.

Does pdd support time zone conversions for dates other than current?

No, pdd only displays the current timezone when run without arguments and does not convert time zones in calculations. For multi-timezone operations, tools like pytz or advanced date libraries are necessary.

How to run a background timer with pdd and check its status?

Use 'pdd -qc &' to start a quiet countdown timer in the background. To view the final counter, run 'fg' to bring it to foreground and press Ctrl-C, as noted in the operational notes.

Open-Awesome

pdd

GPL-3.0Pythonv1.7

A tiny command-line utility to calculate date/time differences and run timers with piggybacked commands.

GitHub

406 stars19 forks0 contributors

What is pdd?

pdd is a lightweight command-line utility written in Python that calculates date and time differences, performs date/time arithmetic, and functions as a timer or stopwatch. It solves the problem of needing quick, scriptable date/time operations without complex syntax or dependencies.

Target Audience

System administrators, developers, and power users who frequently work with date/time calculations in terminal environments and need a simple, reliable tool for these operations.

Value Proposition

Developers choose pdd for its extreme simplicity, minimal dependencies, and intuitive interface—it requires no memorization of complex options while providing comprehensive date/time functionality in a tiny package.

Overview

:date: Tiny date, time diff calculator with piggybacked timers

Use Cases

Best For

Calculating date differences between arbitrary dates
Performing date/time arithmetic in shell scripts
Running countdown timers with command execution
Timing operations with a custom-resolution stopwatch
Quickly checking current date/time with timezone
Background timers for automation workflows

Not Ideal For

Projects requiring graphical user interfaces for date/time manipulation
Complex scheduling systems with recurring events or business day calculations
Environments where installing Python dependencies is prohibited or cumbersome
Applications requiring nanosecond precision or real-time high-frequency timing

Pros & Cons

Pros

Extreme Simplicity

Built with a 'no memorization' philosophy, allowing users to perform common date/time operations without complex syntax, as emphasized in the README.

Flexible Input Formats

Accepts various date/time formats including partial inputs (e.g., 'mm:ss' or 'ss') and follows ISO 8601 standards, making it adaptable for quick calculations.

Scriptable Timer Commands

Supports command piggybacking with the -r option to execute commands when a countdown timer expires, enabling automation in shell scripts.

Background Operation Support

Features a quiet mode (-q) for running timers and stopwatches in the background, useful for non-interactive workflows as demonstrated in examples.

Cons

External Dependency Required

Relies on the python-dateutil module, which may not be pre-installed on all systems, adding installation overhead compared to built-in command-line tools.

Limited to Command-Line

Lacks a graphical or web interface, restricting its use to terminal environments and making it less accessible for non-technical users or visual workflows.

Missing Advanced Features

Does not support time zone conversions for arbitrary dates, recurring events, or complex date logic like holiday calculations, limiting its utility in specialized scenarios.

Frequently Asked Questions

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