TypeError: Cannot Compare Naive and Aware Datetimes

Why This Happens

Python datetimes can be naive (no timezone) or aware (with timezone). Comparing the two raises TypeError. Always use timezone-aware datetimes in production.

The Problem

from datetime import datetime, timezone
db_time = datetime(2024, 1, 15, tzinfo=timezone.utc)
now = datetime.now()
if now > db_time: pass

The Fix

from datetime import datetime, timezone
db_time = datetime(2024, 1, 15, tzinfo=timezone.utc)
now = datetime.now(timezone.utc)
if now > db_time: pass

Step-by-Step Fix

1. 1

   Use timezone-aware datetimes

   Always use datetime.now(timezone.utc).

2. 2

   Add timezone to naive datetimes

   Use naive_dt.replace(tzinfo=timezone.utc).

3. 3

   Be consistent

   Use UTC everywhere, convert to local only for display.