Select the most recent date from a table using Python/arcpy

Question

Given a dataset with a date field, how would I select the row with the most recent date using Python or ArcPy?

• evv_gis: Here are some approaches that were noted in another post. Note the sections where the OP is wanting the most recent fire: gis.stackexchange.com/questions/95378/…

Answer 1

Building from evv_gis comment:

1. Use search cursor to iterate through layer and assign date values to list
2. Use max method on list to get the newest value
3. Make feature layer of layer
4. Use the select layer by attribute method on feature layer with value from step 2

Answer 2

In the spirit of completeness here is my final script, minus making a feature layer, which I will add in production.

listdates = []
cursor = arcpy.da.SearchCursor(layername, "Date_Mod")
for row in cursor:
 listdates.append(row)
maxdate = max(listdates)
maxdatestr = str(maxdate)
datestr = maxdatestr[19:31]
arcpy.SelectLayerByAttribute_management(layername, "NEW_SELECTION", "Date_Mod = date '" + datestr + " 00:00:00'")

Thanks to everyone that answered and commented.