How to generate a random date and time between two dates?

Question

Don't overlook the 'date AND TIME' part though.

Answer 1

Time.at((date2.to_f - date1.to_f)*rand + date1.to_f) 

You'll get a time object that is between two given datetimes.

Answer 2

You should be able to generate random date/times within a certain range.

now = Time.now a_day_ago = now - 60 * 60 * 24  random_time = rand(a_day_ago..now)  # with activesupport required up_to_a_year_ago = rand(1.year.ago..Time.now) 

Your inputs need to be the Time class, or converted into one though.

You could do also do a range of time in epoch time and then use Time#at.

now = Time.now.to_i minute_ago = (Time.now - 60).to_i Time.at(rand(minute_ago..now))