This functionalty is taken care of in the
Date::Calc module.
Date::Calc can do all of your date caclulations without the running your dates through
sprintf or worrying about 24 hour formats or worrying about 2/4 digit years.
Else if you really want down to the second comparisions then just use epoch seconds. Epoch seconds are the native format for
localtime.
I would highly recommend reading some of these nodes before you post again:
Before you post...
turnstep's home node
How to ReadTheFineManual
Understanding these posts will make your stay at the Monastery more enjoyable.
Understanding why you should not reinvent good wheels will make your career more enjoyable.
grep