Joda-Time is a date and time library for Java that provides a replacement for the standard Java date and time classes.
Joda-Time solves the problem of working with dates and times in Java by offering a cleaner, more intuitive API than the original java.util.Date and Calendar classes. The library supports multiple calendar systems including ISO8601, Gregorian, Julian, Buddhist, Coptic, Ethiopic, and Islamic calendars, while maintaining a simple interface. It includes supporting classes for time zones, durations, formatting, and parsing.
Developers should be aware that Joda-Time is no longer in active development except for timezone data updates. The README explicitly recommends that users migrate to java.time, which is part of the Java SE 8 core library and replaces this project. For Android development, java.time is available in API 26 and later; projects targeting lower API levels can use the ThreeTenABP library as an alternative. Joda-Time remains relevant only for legacy codebases that cannot migrate to java.time or for older Android versions that lack native support.
The project maintains timezone data to keep pace with real-world changes, indicating ongoing stewardship despite the shift away from active feature development. The codebase is stable and considered production-ready, with comprehensive documentation available including quick-start and full user guides.
