MySQL · December 20, 2023

MySQL Command: NOW()

MySQL Command: NOW()

MySQL is a popular open-source relational database management system that is widely used for web applications. It offers a wide range of commands and functions to manipulate and retrieve data. One such command is NOW(), which is used to retrieve the current date and time from the system.

Syntax

The syntax for using the NOW() command is straightforward:

SELECT NOW();

This command will return the current date and time in the format 'YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS'.

Usage

The NOW() command is commonly used in various scenarios, such as:

1. Storing Timestamps

When working with databases, it is often necessary to store timestamps to track when a particular record was created or modified. The NOW() command can be used to automatically insert the current date and time into a timestamp column.

INSERT INTO users (name, created_at) VALUES ('John Doe', NOW());

This query will insert a new record into the 'users' table with the name 'John Doe' and the current date and time in the 'created_at' column.

2. Filtering Data

The NOW() command can also be used to filter data based on specific date and time criteria. For example, you can retrieve all records that were created today:

SELECT * FROM users WHERE DATE(created_at) = CURDATE();

This query will return all records from the 'users' table where the 'created_at' date matches the current date.

3. Date Calculations

The NOW() command can be combined with other date functions to perform calculations. For instance, you can retrieve all records that were created in the last 7 days:

SELECT * FROM users WHERE created_at >= NOW() - INTERVAL 7 DAY;

This query will return all records from the 'users' table where the 'created_at' date is within the last 7 days.

Conclusion

The NOW() command in MySQL is a powerful tool for working with dates and times. It allows you to retrieve the current date and time, store timestamps, filter data, and perform date calculations. By leveraging the capabilities of the NOW() command, you can enhance the functionality and efficiency of your MySQL database.

Summary

In summary, the NOW() command in MySQL is a versatile tool for working with dates and times. It allows you to retrieve the current date and time, store timestamps, filter data, and perform date calculations. If you are looking for a reliable VPS hosting solution to power your MySQL databases, consider Server.HK. With top-notch performance and excellent customer support, Server.HK is the ideal choice for your hosting needs.