Are unix timestamps the best way to store timestamps?

Question

I always use unix timestamps for everything, but am wondering if there is a better way.

What do you use to store timestamps and why?

Answer 1

UNIX Timestamp 32-bit problem seems to be pretty annoying for users who enter future dates in 2038+.

Either use the DATETIME sequence for MySQL, or store your dates as BIGINT(8) unsigned (max: 18 quintillion) or FLOAT so that you can enter large numbers. Then you cannot use for example PHP's date() function because it only allows integers as parameter (limited by 32-bit systems).

The solution I found is to use PHP 5.2.0 functions. Here's the DateTime PHP solution.

No need to change UNIX_TIMESTAMP format. As long as you have BIGINT(8) unsigned as your MySQL storage for timestamps. You won't be limited by 32-bit systems anymore.