Pronunciation: [dˈe͡ɪt lˈɪtəɹə͡l] (IPA) 
The spelling of "date literal" can be broken down phonetically as /deɪt ˈlɪtərəl/. The word "date" is pronounced with a long "a" sound like "day" and the "t" is pronounced with a soft "d" sound. "Literal" is pronounced with emphasis on the second syllable and the "t" is pronounced with a hard "t" sound. A "date literal" refers to a specific notation used to represent a date in computer programming languages.
A date literal refers to a specific date value as it is represented in a programming language or database system. It is a key component in working with dates and is commonly used to specify and manipulate date-related information.
In programming and database terminology, a date literal may have a specific syntax, often defined by the language or system being used. This syntax typically follows a standardized format, such as yyyy-mm-dd or mm/dd/yyyy. It is important to adhere to the correct format to ensure accurate representation and manipulation of dates.
A date literal allows programmers and database administrators to express a specific date without needing to convert it from a different format or manipulate it through complex functions or expressions. This makes it easier to work with dates, especially when performing tasks like filtering, sorting, or comparing dates in database queries or programming code.
By utilizing date literals, individuals can provide a human-readable and unambiguous representation of a date, simplifying the process of working with date values. It provides a standardized and consistent way to input dates, reducing the potential for errors and improving overall efficiency.
Overall, a date literal is a predefined, easily recognizable representation of a specific date in a programming or database context that simplifies the manipulation and management of dates.
The term "date literal" is a compound word consisting of "date" and "literal".
- "Date" originated from Middle English and Old French, both derived from the Latin word "data" which means "given" or "prescribed". In this context, it refers to a specific point in time, typically expressed as a combination of year, month, and day.
- "Literal" comes from the Latin word "literalis", meaning "of letters" or "according to the letters". It refers to something that is strictly or exactly in accordance with the original meaning or words.
The combination "date literal" is used in computer programming to describe a specific date value that is directly specified in the source code using a format that represents a date and/or time, such as "2022-05-15" for May 15, 2022.
