Timestamps

A timestamp is a digital sequence, typically a Unix epoch integer or an ISO 8601 string, that precisely records the date and time of an event for synchronization and logging.

Timestamps are the core mechanism for chronological ordering in computing: they capture a specific moment, often down to the millisecond, using a globally recognized standard like Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). The two primary formats are the numeric Unix epoch (seconds since January 1, 1970) and the human-readable ISO 8601 string (e.g., 2026-01-19T06:00:00Z). We use this technology for critical functions: establishing the sequence of events in log files, proving document integrity in digital signatures, and preventing double-spending in blockchain transactions. Accurate time synchronization, like that provided by Network Time Protocol (NTP), is non-negotiable for distributed systems to function correctly.

https://gcmd.nasa.gov/html/iso_8601.html