Description: TIMEZONE refers to the region of the world that has the same standard time, relevant in time calculations in DAX. Time zones are geographical divisions that allow for the standardization of time in different parts of the world, facilitating the coordination of activities and communication between regions. Each time zone is generally defined by its difference in hours from Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), which is the global time standard. For example, UTC-5 indicates that the local time is five hours behind UTC. Time zones are used not only in programming and technology contexts but are also fundamental in everyday life, affecting everything from flight schedules to the planning of international events. The implementation of time zones allows individuals and organizations to manage time efficiently, avoiding confusion that could arise from the variability of time in different places around the world.
History: The concept of time zones was proposed by Sir Sandford Fleming in 1879 as a solution to the confusion caused by local times varying from one city to another. Before standardization, each locality adjusted its clock according to the position of the sun, resulting in a wide variety of times. The first international conference on the subject took place in Washington D.C. in 1884, where 24 time zones were established, each with a one-hour difference from the previous one. This structure was gradually adopted by many countries, facilitating trade and communication on a global scale.
Uses: Time zones are used in various applications, from software programming to the planning of international events. In the technological realm, they are essential for the functioning of systems that require precise synchronization, such as databases and servers. They are also crucial in aviation, where flight schedules must be coordinated across different time zones. In everyday life, time zones help people schedule meetings and phone calls with individuals in different parts of the world.
Examples: A practical example of the use of time zones is scheduling a video conference between teams in New York (UTC-5) and London (UTC+0). If the meeting is scheduled for 3 PM in New York, it must be considered that it will be 8 PM in London. Another case is tracking international sporting events, where broadcast times must be adjusted according to the time zones of viewers.
