How to Create a Simple Time API Using Python

Welcome to Cyber Supto! I'm Supto. In this tutorial, we will learn how to create a simple Time API using Python. This API will provide the current time, and you can expand it later to include features like different timezones, date formatting, and more.

We will use FastAPI, one of the fastest and easiest Python frameworks for building APIs.

Prerequisites

• Basic knowledge of Python
• Python installed (version 3.7+)
• Basic understanding of REST APIs
• pip installed for managing packages

Step 1: Install FastAPI and Uvicorn

FastAPI is used to build the API, and Uvicorn is the server that runs it.

pip install fastapi uvicorn

Step 2: Create Your Project Structure

time_api/
│
├── main.py

We will write all the code in main.py for this simple project.

Step 3: Write the Python Code

from fastapi import FastAPI
from datetime import datetime

app = FastAPI()

@app.get("/")
def read_root():
    return {"message": "Welcome to Cyber Supto Time API"}

@app.get("/current-time")
def current_time():
    now = datetime.now()
    current_time = now.strftime("%H:%M:%S")
    return {"current_time": current_time}

@app.get("/current-date")
def current_date():
    today = datetime.today()
    current_date = today.strftime("%Y-%m-%d")
    return {"current_date": current_date}

@app.get("/current-datetime")
def current_datetime():
    now = datetime.now()
    dt = now.strftime("%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S")
    return {"current_datetime": dt}

Step 4: Run the API Server

Run the API using Uvicorn:

uvicorn main:app --reload

Explanation:

• main refers to main.py
• app refers to the FastAPI instance
• --reload automatically reloads the server when code changes

Step 5: Test Your API

Open your browser and visit:

• http://127.0.0.1:8000/ → Welcome message
• http://127.0.0.1:8000/current-time → Current time
• http://127.0.0.1:8000/current-date → Current date
• http://127.0.0.1:8000/current-datetime → Date and time

Step 6: Optional – Test with Swagger UI

FastAPI comes with built-in API documentation. Open:

http://127.0.0.1:8000/docs

Here, you can test all API endpoints interactively.

Step 7: Making API Accessible Publicly

If you want your API accessible over the internet, you can use hosting platforms:

• PythonAnywhere
• Heroku
• Render
• Railway

Follow the platform instructions to deploy your FastAPI project.

Step 8: Improving Your API

You can extend your Time API with:

• Different timezones using pytz library
• Return JSON in ISO format for easier integration
• Adding a query parameter to get time in a specific timezone
• Logging API requests
• Rate limiting for security

Example – Timezone Support

from fastapi import FastAPI
from datetime import datetime
import pytz

app = FastAPI()

@app.get("/time")
def get_time(timezone: str = "Asia/Dhaka"):
    tz = pytz.timezone(timezone)
    now = datetime.now(tz)
    return {"time": now.strftime("%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S"), "timezone": timezone}

Test with URL: http://127.0.0.1:8000/time?timezone=Asia/Kolkata

Tips for Writing Efficient APIs in Python

• Use FastAPI for modern and high-performance APIs
• Keep endpoints simple and focused
• Use proper HTTP status codes
• Add validation for query parameters and input
• Use async endpoints for high performance

Conclusion

Creating a simple Time API in Python is easy and a great project for beginners. Using FastAPI, you can build fast, clean, and professional APIs with minimal code. By adding features like timezone support, async endpoints, and proper documentation, you can take your API to a professional level.

Thanks for reading,
Cyber Supto.