Macro Handler

Macro Handler

Android Automation Platform

Object MethodDate and Time

DateTime:parse(text, pattern?)

Parses a text value into a DateTime object.

Detailed Explanation

This section explains when to use the API, how to call it, and which structures it works best with in production flow.

What It Does

DateTime:parse performs one focused job in script flow and can be chained cleanly with other API steps. Parses a text value into a DateTime object.

When To Use It

For time flow, combine DateTime, TimeSpan, and Stopwatch with logging, timeout control, and performance measurement. This API becomes most valuable in multi-step chained scenarios.

Parameters and Return

text, pattern define the purpose of the call; preparing them in clearly named variables before execution makes production debugging easier. This API reads or produces data; storing the returned value in a variable and reusing it in later steps is the safest approach.

Best Combined With

A strong combination is to measure with Stopwatch, log with DateTime, and compare durations with TimeSpan.

Example Usage

The snippet below is a starter pattern that can be applied directly in runtime flow.

lua
Try in Editor →
-- DateTime:parse
local result = DateTime:parse("sample text", "%d+")
-- Use the result in your script flow

Copyable Progressive Examples

From foundation to combined usage, each level is provided as a separate code block so you can copy the level you need and adapt it directly.

Foundation

Shows the shortest direct way to call the API.

Foundation
lua
Try in Editor →
-- DateTime:parse
local result = DateTime:parse("sample text", "%d+")
-- Use the result in your script flow

Simple

Wraps the base call with minimal flow control.

Simple
lua
Try in Editor →
local stepOk = true
-- DateTime:parse
local result = DateTime:parse("sample text", "%d+")
-- Use the result in your script flow
if stepOk then
  wait(200)
end

Practical Flow

A practical pattern for real macros with pcall, logging, and guards.

Practical Flow
lua
Try in Editor →
local ok, result = pcall(function()
  -- DateTime:parse
  local result = DateTime:parse("sample text", "%d+")
  -- Use the result in your script flow
end)

if not ok then
  print("API step failed: DateTime:parse")
  requestStop()
end

Detailed

This level packages the API into a reusable helper with error reporting.

Detailed
lua
Try in Editor →
-- For time flow, combine DateTime, TimeSpan, and Stopwatch with logging, timeout control, and performance measurement.
local function run_parse_step()
  -- DateTime:parse
  local result = DateTime:parse("sample text", "%d+")
  -- Use the result in your script flow
end

local ok, err = pcall(run_parse_step)
if not ok then
  toast("Step failed")
  print(err)
end

Combined

Combines the API with related structures to form a more realistic workflow.

Combined
lua
Try in Editor →
local watch = Stopwatch.startNew()
-- DateTime:parse
local result = DateTime:parse("sample text", "%d+")
-- Use the result in your script flow
local elapsed = watch:elapsedMilliseconds()
print("Elapsed: " .. tostring(elapsed))