is there a way to generate a time stamp in XSL ?

[Madhav Lakkapragada]

Wondering if I could generate a time stamp of some kind while I transform. Any function that you know...I checked the OOTB functions but seems like there is no easy way...
Any pointers please...
Thanks.
- madhav

[Mapraputa Is]

There is no standard function in XSLT 1.0., not sure about XSLT 2.0...
Here is less standard one
http://www.exslt.org/date/functions/time/date.time.function.xsl.html

[Anonymous]

If you're using a java based XLST transformer, there are chances that you can make java calls from your stylesheet.
Have a look at the following URL to see how to do this using Xalan:
Extension function Java calls
You may then use the SimpleDateFormat object to format your timestamp according to your taste.
Write a utility stylesheet (timestamp.xslt):

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<xsl:stylesheet
    xmlns:xsl="http://www.w3.org/1999/XSL/Transform"
    version="1.0"
    xmlns:java="http://xml.apache.org/xalan/java"
    exclude-result-prefixes="java">
    <xsl:template name="timestamp">
        <xsl:param name="format" select="'yyyyMMddhhmmss'"/>
        <xsl:variable name="date" select="java:util.Date.new()"/>
        <xsl:variable name="formatter" select="java:text.SimpleDateFormat.new($format)"/>
        <xsl:value-of select="java:format($formatter, $date)"/>
    </xsl:template>
</xsl:stylesheet>

And call it from your stylesheet like this:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<xsl:stylesheet
    xmlns:xsl="http://www.w3.org/1999/XSL/Transform"
    version="1.0">
    <xsl:include href="timestamp.xslt"/>
    <xsl:output method="text"/>
    <xsl:strip-spaces elements="*"/>
    <xsl:template match="/">
        Timestamp is <xsl:call-template name="timestamp"/>
    </xsl:template>
</xsl:stylesheet>

This should do the trick (with Xalan).
Cheers
[ December 16, 2002: Message edited by: Beno�t d'Oncieu ]

[Madhav Lakkapragada]

So it seems like I can use this to call any java class meassage.
Thanks.
- madhav

[Madhav Lakkapragada]

Beno�t:
I seems to be missing something.
When I use this example, I get an error
(on the first style sheet) saying
"This file is not valid. Function not found in the namespace."
The select pharase which has the Java:text...new() is highlighted.select="java:util.Date.new(). Although, I have to admit I din't get a chance to read the link you mentioned. While I try that I thought I will let you know and see if you any quick suggestions.......
All I did was copy paste your style sheets and try an example using XML Spy. Maybe I should tyy xalan also...
- madhav

[Anonymous]

Madhav,
You have well assumed, this might only work with Xalan. I don't think XML Spy will like that...
Cheers

[Madhav Lakkapragada]

Timestamp is 20021217114337
Works with xalan.....
- madhav