Convert java.util.Date to java.time Type

The legacy java.util.Date and Calendar classes are known for their complexities and troublesomeness. While it's recommended to utilize the java.time framework for date-time management, converting between these old and new types becomes necessary when working with existing code.

Mapping to java.time Types

When converting a java.util.Date object to java.time, it's crucial to consider the representation of time. java.util.Date represents a moment in UTC, a combination of date and time-of-day. This concept can be translated to several java.time types:

1. Instant: Represents a moment on the timeline in UTC. Convert using toInstant() method.
2. OffsetDateTime: Similar to Instant but applies an offset-from-UTC, representing a wall-clock time for a specific locality. Use ZoneOffset to define the offset.
3. ZonedDateTime: Incorporates both Instant and OffsetDateTime, providing a complete representation of date and time with a specific time zone. Apply a ZoneId to establish the time zone.
4. LocalDate: Represents a date-only value without time-of-day or time zone. Determine a LocalDate using a ZonedDateTime, recognizing that a date varies depending on the time zone.
5. LocalTime: Represents a time-of-day without a date or time zone. Similarly to LocalDate, a ZonedDateTime is required to determine a LocalTime, despite the absence of time zone in the object.
6. LocalDateTime: A combination of LocalDate and LocalTime without a defined time zone. This type is rarely used as it provides an imprecise representation of date-time.

Note: Converting from java.time to java.util.Date involves extracting an Instant and then applying appropriate conversion methods. However, be aware of potential data loss, as fractional seconds in java.time are truncated to milliseconds in java.util.Date.

In summary, when transitioning from java.util.Date to java.time, consider the type that aligns with the desired representation of date and time. Utilize the provided conversion methods, keeping in mind any potential loss of information during the process.