Python Time monotonic Function

The monotonic function in Python’s time module returns the value (in fractional seconds) of a monotonic clock, i.e., a clock that cannot go backwards. This function is useful for measuring elapsed time without being affected by system clock updates.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. monotonic Function Syntax
3. Examples
   • Basic Usage
   • Measuring Elapsed Time
4. Real-World Use Case
5. Conclusion

Introduction

The monotonic function in Python’s time module provides a way to measure elapsed time that is guaranteed not to move backward, making it ideal for timing operations. This function is unaffected by system clock updates, ensuring consistent measurements.

monotonic Function Syntax

Here is how you use the monotonic function:

import time
current_time = time.monotonic()

Parameters:

• The monotonic function does not take any parameters.

Returns:

• A floating-point number representing the current value of the monotonic clock in seconds.

Examples

Basic Usage

Here is an example of how to use monotonic.

Example

import time

# Getting the current monotonic time
start_time = time.monotonic()
print("Monotonic start time:", start_time)

Output:

Monotonic start time: 39520.609

Measuring Elapsed Time

This example shows how to measure the elapsed time of a code block using monotonic.

Example

import time

# Starting the monotonic timer
start_time = time.monotonic()

# Code block whose execution time is to be measured
for i in range(1000000):
    pass

# Stopping the monotonic timer
end_time = time.monotonic()

# Calculating the elapsed time
elapsed_time = end_time - start_time
print("Elapsed time:", elapsed_time, "seconds")

Output:

Elapsed time: 0.030999999995401595 seconds

Real-World Use Case

Timing Operations Without Clock Skew

In real-world applications, the monotonic function can be used to measure the duration of operations without being affected by changes to the system clock, such as daylight saving time adjustments or manual changes.

Example

import time

def simulate_operation():
    time.sleep(2)  # Simulate a long-running operation

# Timing the operation
start_time = time.monotonic()
simulate_operation()
end_time = time.monotonic()

# Calculating the elapsed time
elapsed_time = end_time - start_time
print(f"Operation took {elapsed_time:.6f} seconds")

Output:

Operation took 2.000000 seconds

Conclusion

The monotonic function provides a reliable way to measure elapsed time without being affected by system clock changes. This makes it ideal for timing operations and ensuring consistent performance measurements.