Use Date type for date strings

[smcvb]

Feature Description

Replace the date String fields for actual Date types.
Important in this process is to ensure the created sorting index (based on the event timestamp and sequence number) keeps a similar performance as it currently has.
Furthermore, we should make sure this adjustment keeps the current ordering based on timestamp and seqNo in working order.

Current Behaviour

Currently, the Mongo Extension uses Strings to contain date times.

Wanted Behaviour

The Mongo Extension should use the Date type to refer to date fields.

[rsobies]

@smcvb
thie field timestamp in trackingToken collection is stored as long, should it be also change to Date ?

[smcvb]

Ah yes, this also applies to the MongoTrackingToken, @rsobies. Good point!

[rsobies]

@smcvb you can assign it to me

[rsobies]

Should I fork from master?

[smcvb]

Ah, sorry to keep you waiting here, @rsobies. If anything, thanks for the enthusiasm to pick this up.
But, changing a column's type from several documents is quite a breaking change.

Hence, it is not something we can do in a minor or patch release.
At least, that's what we've decided on.

As such, this change is something to be done in tandem with the upcoming major release.
We are currently hard at work at getting AF5 ready, with still tons of work to do.
The extensions will follow, but I can't give you a date, sadly enough.

So, concerning your contribution, you can make a PR, and yes that should be done from master.
But the chances of it getting merged soon are very slim. Sorry for that! 🙏

Nonetheless, if you want to get a grasp of this and help us out for work the Framework team will eventually reach (I hope this year), then you are free to pick it up!
But do let me know whether the above discourages you. I would understand if you'd rather put your time and effort into something else.

[rsobies]

@smcvb no problem, I can take this one.

[smcvb]

Alright, thanks for that, @rsobies! I've assigned you to the ticket. Looking forward to the PR!