time() returns the number of SECS since Epoch. Epoch can vary from OS to OS but localtime(time) if used in a scalar context will return a human readable date. 
my $datetime = localtime(time);
# returns Thu Nov 22 13:05:26 2001 
# (well at least it did at the time() )

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For your continuing date manipulation needs Date::Calc, Date::Manip and Date::Format will quickly become your friends.

mitd-Made in the Dark
'Interactive! Paper tape is interactive!
If you don't believe me I can show you my paper cut scars!'

In reply to Re: time & localtime() function Q? by mitd
in thread time & localtime() function Q? by Gerryjun

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