Resolving the invalid date Error in Busybox v1.30.1

Описание: Discover how to fix the `invalid date` error in Busybox v1.30.1 when using date commands to offset the time. Learn the correct syntax for your scripts.
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This video is based on the question https://stackoverflow.com/q/62387018/ asked by the user 'thblx' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/13749238/ ) and on the answer https://stackoverflow.com/a/62387958/ provided by the user 'oguz ismail' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/10248678/ ) at 'Stack Overflow' website. Thanks to these great users and Stackexchange community for their contributions.

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Introduction

If you’re working with Busybox and have recently upgraded from version 1.29.2 to 1.30.1, you might have encountered a frustrating invalid date error when trying to manipulate date commands. Specifically, when using the command to offset the current date, you may see an error message stating date: invalid date '1592225794'. This can be confusing, especially if the same command worked perfectly in the previous version. Let's dive into the problem and provide a clear solution!

Problem Overview

Many users rely on the date command in Busybox for various scripting and automation tasks. The specific command in question involves calculating a date that is offset from the current time. The transition from v1.29.2 to v1.30.1 has introduced changes that could cause previously functioning scripts to break. The command being used is as follows:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

While this command worked fine in version 1.29.2, it results in an error in version 1.30.1. So, what changed?

Understanding the Changes in Busybox

One of the key modifications in Busybox's date command implementation between versions is the way it handles epoch time. If your command includes the -D %s flag, that is now considered redundant. Starting from version 1.17.x, Busybox supports a new syntax for dealing directly with seconds since the epoch.

Key Points:

Redundant Flag: The use of -D %s is no longer needed. Instead, you can directly specify the epoch time.

Updated Syntax: The command has evolved to accept -d @ SECONDS_SINCE_EPOCH.

How to Correct the Command

To successfully offset the current date by a desired amount (for example, -4200 seconds, which is -1 hour and 10 minutes), you can directly use the following command:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This revised command will effectively calculate the current epoch seconds, deduct the offset, and present the desired date format %m%d%H%M.

Example

Here is how you can test it out:

Open your terminal.

Type in the following command:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

You should receive the output resembling:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

To verify the current date, simply type:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Conclusion

Upgrading software can sometimes lead to unexpected challenges, such as with the Busybox date command. By understanding the changes in syntax and eliminating the redundant flags, you can continue to perform date calculations effectively. Remember, the new format is the key! With this guide, you should be able to resolve the invalid date error and keep your scripts running smoothly. Happy scripting!