You Depend on Time - Understanding Calendars, Clocks, and Computer Timekeeping Systems

Explore the fascinating world of time measurement and synchronization in this 32-minute conference talk from SREcon24 Europe/Middle East/Africa. Delve into the complex relationship between calendars, clocks, and computer systems as Philip Rowlands from Jane Street unravels the mysteries of timekeeping. Learn about the evolution of measuring seconds from ancient candle-based methods to modern atomic precision, and understand how mobile devices maintain accurate time. Discover the historical context behind calendar systems, including the adoption of the Gregorian calendar, while gaining insights into common timekeeping challenges. Master the technical aspects of time synchronization in modern computing, including protocols and APIs that ensure reliable and accurate clock management across systems. Perfect for those interested in the intersection of historical timekeeping methods and modern technological solutions for time synchronization.