Generate datetime format for XML

Question

I'm trying to generate timestamp for cXML as shown below. Is there any function in C# which I can use to format date time to: 2011-06-09T16:37:17+16:37

e.g.

<cXML payloadID="[email protected]" timestamp="2011-06-09T16:37:17+16:37"> 

Answer 1

Use the "o" format specifier - read about this one in the standard Date and Time format strings documentation on MSDN.

The pattern for this specifier reflects a defined standard (ISO 8601).

And:

6/15/2009 1:45:30 PM -> 2009-06-15T13:45:30.0900000

string formatted = DateTime.Now.ToString("o"); 

If this is not what you want, you will need to use a custom format string - I believe you will need to do this, as the offset is not standard.

string formatted = DateTime.Now.ToString("yyyy-MM-ddTHH:mm:ssK"); 

Answer 2

Yes, using DateTime.ToString("s"), see this link: Standard Date and Time Format Strings. Be aware that "s" does not include the timezone information, whereas "o" does include both fractional seconds and timezone.

You can also use the XmlConvert.ToString method, where you can specify the time zone information as well.