title: What does the "p" in strptime stand for?
body: <p>There is a <code>strptime</code> function in many language libraries (C, Python, Ruby, PHP, PERL, etc.).</p>
  
  <p>It seems to be based on the <a href="http://pubs.opengroup.org/onlinepubs/9699919799/functions/strptime.html">Open Group's specification for <code>time.h</code></a>.</p>
  
  <p>I understand 'str' stands for string, and 'time' obviously stands for time, but what does the 'p' stand for? Parse? Pointer? Print?</p>
  
  <p><em>Every time I reach for the strptime() function, I have a mental blank, and have to look up the name in a manual. I figure if I finally worked out what it stood for, perhaps I would have a chance of remembering it.</em></p>