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Python Dates and Times in Python (2014) Let's Build a Timed Quiz App Timestamp Ordering

Posted by ryan keenan
ryan keenan
2,684 Points

What is the reason for using (*args) in the .fromtimestamp challenge ? Thanks in advance.

import datetime

def timestamp_oldest(*args):
    return datetime.datetime.fromtimestamp(min(args))
timestamp.py 
# If you need help, look up datetime.datetime.fromtimestamp()
# Also, remember that you *will not* know how many timestamps
# are coming in.
Dave StSomeWhere
Dave StSomeWhere
19,870 Points
Dave StSomeWhere
Dave StSomeWhere
19,870 Points

Because that's how you handle an unknown number of arguments

Also, remember that you will not know how many timestamps

are coming in.

1 Answer

kyle kitlinski
kyle kitlinski
5,619 Points
kyle kitlinski
kyle kitlinski
5,619 Points

*args basically makes the argument a list. timestamp_oldest(1,2,3,4,5,6,7) == timestamp_oldest([1,2,3,4,5,6,7]) so when you call min(args) its giving you the smallest number in the list, or the oldest timestamp.