How to use the command time (with examples)

The time command in Windows is used to display or set the system time. It provides a convenient way to view the current system time and also allows users to enter a new time if desired.

Use case 1: Display the current system time and prompt to enter a new time (leave empty to keep unchanged)

Code:

time

Motivation: This use case is useful when you want to quickly check the current system time and also have the option to update it if necessary. It eliminates the need to manually access the system settings to view or modify the time.

Explanation: When the time command is used without any arguments, it displays the current system time and prompts the user to enter a new time. The user can either provide a new time or leave it empty to keep the current time unchanged.

Example output:

The current time is: 12:34:56.78
Enter the new time (HH:mm:ss):

Use case 2: Display the current system time without prompting for a new time

Code:

time /t

Motivation: This use case is helpful when you need to quickly obtain the current system time without any further actions. It allows you to obtain the time information in a simplified format without any unnecessary prompts.

Explanation: The /t argument is used with the time command to display the current system time without prompting for a new time. It provides a concise output of the current time in a format that can be easily parsed or used in scripts.

Example output:

12:34 PM

Conclusion:

The time command in Windows offers a convenient way to view and set the system time. By using different arguments, you can customize its behavior according to your needs. Whether you want to quickly check the current time or update the system time, the time command provides a simple and efficient solution.