Beginner

112. Current Timestamp

Learn how to retrieve the current date and time from a SQL database.

📘 Lesson 112 of 728 ⏱ 7 min 🎯 Beginner

A current timestamp expression returns the current date and time according to the database system or session context. Exact behavior depends on the SQL platform.

Current timestamps are useful when tracking when a query or business event occurs.

A reporting system may use the current timestamp to show when a report was generated.

SQL 
SELECT
    CURRENT_TIMESTAMP AS CurrentDateTime;

Current timestamps are used in audit logs, transaction processing, reporting, system monitoring, and automated data pipelines.

  • Current timestamp provides date and time.
  • It is useful for event tracking.
  • Syntax and timezone behavior can vary.
  • It can be used in calculations and filters.
  • It is common in audit and reporting systems.
What is a current timestamp?

It represents the current date and time available from the database system.

Where are timestamps commonly used?

They are commonly used for audit records, transactions, logs, reporting, and event tracking.

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