Which separator is NOT allowed in log timestamps?

The use of different characters and formats in log timestamps is guided by standards like ISO 8601, which defines how timestamps should be structured for consistent interpretation. In this context, the semicolon is not used as a separator in log timestamps.

Timestamps typically use characters like "T" to separate the date and time, the hyphen for separating year, month, and day, and the forward slash is also common in various formats, particularly in date representations. Each of these separators serves a defined purpose in organizing the data chronologically. But the semicolon has no standard function in timestamp formatting, which is why it is not permitted.

Understanding the valid formats for timestamps is crucial for ensuring interoperability between systems and consistent parsing of log data. Invalid separators can lead to parsing errors and misinterpretations of events in logs, which can significantly hinder troubleshooting and diagnostics efforts.