Question: Date formatting in `util.js/inspect`

[Xotic750]

Inspect formats dates in two different ways, depending on whether it has properties or not.

No properties and it uses toString
https://github.com/nodejs/node/blob/master/lib/util.js#L272

The toString() method always returns a string representation of the date in American English.

While when properties are present it uses toUTCString
https://github.com/nodejs/node/blob/master/lib/util.js#L393

The format of the return value may vary according to the platform. The most common return value is a RFC-1123 formatted date stamp, which is a slightly updated version of RFC-822 date stamps.

I am wondering why two different representations are used?

And being 2015, it would seem sensible to use toISOString

The toISOString() method returns a string in simplified extended ISO format (ISO 8601), which is always 24 characters long: YYYY-MM-DDTHH:mm:ss.sssZ. The timezone is always zero UTC offset, as denoted by the suffix "Z".

Anyway, I look forward to hearing the logic behind the decision and better my understanding.

[jasnell]

Good question. That is rather wacky. Personally I'd prefer using the toISOString() but using either the toUTCString to toString methods consistently for both would be good. /cc @nodejs/ctc ... thoughts?

@Xotic750 ... interested in opening a PR with a possible fix that can be reviewed?

[Xotic750]

I think I could do that, I will go with toISOString for review.

[indutny]

Landed in 04af258, thank you!