Understanding Date Handling in SuiteScript

NetSuite stores dates in a specific format, typically as MM/DD/YYYY, depending on the user’s preferences and the system’s regional settings. However, you may need to display or process dates in different formats, such as YYYY-MM-DD, DD/MM/YYYY, or custom formats for various purposes.

Using the N/format Module

The N/format module in SuiteScript 2.0 is designed to format dates, numbers, and currency values. It allows you to convert dates to different formats easily.

Example: Converting a Date to a Specific Format

Suppose you want to convert a date from the default format to YYYY-MM-DD.

let formattedDate = format.format({

value: dateField,

type: format.Type.DATE

});

Or

var parsedDate = format.parse({

value: formattedDate,

type: format.Type.DATE

});

In this example:

• format.format: Converts the date to a string in the specified format (YYYY-MM-DD in this case).
• format.Type.DATE: Specifies that you are working with dates. You can also use other types like DATETIME if you need to handle date and time.

Best Practices for Date Formatting in SuiteScript

• Use the N/format Module: Whenever possible, use the N/format module for date formatting as it is specifically designed for this purpose and handles many edge cases automatically.
• Be Aware of Time Zones: Always consider the time zone when working with dates and times, especially in global applications.
• Validate Date Formats: Ensure that any date strings received from external sources are in the correct format before processing them.
• Consistent Date Storage: Store dates in a consistent format in NetSuite, and only format them when displaying or outputting data.

Changing and managing date formats in SuiteScript is a common task that can be handled efficiently using the N/format module or custom JavaScript code. By following best practices and considering factors like time zones and input validation, you can ensure that your SuiteScript applications handle dates accurately and effectively.