System.currentTimeMillis() or System.nanoTime(): Which Java Method Offers Better Time Measurement Precision?

System.currentTimeMillis vs System.nanoTime: Precision in Time Measurements

In the realm of programming, precision in time measurements is crucial, especially when dealing with time-sensitive applications. The two widely used methods for measuring time in Java are System.currentTimeMillis() and System.nanoTime(), each offering different levels of accuracy and precision.

Accuracy vs. Precision

Accuracy refers to the closeness of a measurement to its true value, while precision indicates the smallest unit of measurement. When it comes to time measurements, System.currentTimeMillis() provides accuracy in milliseconds, while System.nanoTime() offers nanosecond-level precision.

Differences in Resolution

As the documentation suggests, System.currentTimeMillis() returns the time in milliseconds since the epoch, so its resolution is limited to 1 millisecond. This means that it may be less accurate for applications that require a higher level of precision.

System.nanoTime() for High Precision

If your game requires precise measurements of elapsed time to update object positions, System.nanoTime() is a better choice as it provides nanosecond precision. This allows for more accurate calculations and smoother animations.

Other Options

While System.currentTimeMillis() and System.nanoTime() are the most common options, there are other libraries or APIs that may provide higher precision or more advanced time-related functions. However, they may come with additional dependencies or complexities.

Example: Measuring Time Elapsed

To measure the time elapsed for a specific operation, you can use the following snippet:

long startTime = System.nanoTime();    
// ... the code being measured ...    
long estimatedTime = System.nanoTime() - startTime;

System.nanoTime() will provide an accurate measurement of the time taken in nanoseconds, allowing you to track and optimize the performance of your game.

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