MySQL TIMESTAMP() Function

 The TIMESTAMP() function in MySQL is used to return the current date and time or to convert a date and time expression into a TIMESTAMP value. Here are the key uses of the TIMESTAMP() function:

1. Get the Current Date and Time

When used with no arguments, it returns the current date and time in the YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS format (i.e., the current timestamp).

SELECT TIMESTAMP();

Example output:

2024-12-23 14:30:00

2. Convert String or Date to TIMESTAMP

You can also use the TIMESTAMP() function to convert a string or date expression into a TIMESTAMP value.

SELECT TIMESTAMP('2024-12-23 14:30:00');

This converts the given string into a TIMESTAMP value.

3. Handling Time Zone Differences

MySQL also considers time zones when converting TIMESTAMP values. The function converts the date and time based on the current time zone set in MySQL.

Example:

SELECT TIMESTAMP('2024-12-23 14:30:00');

If your MySQL server is set to a particular time zone (say UTC), the result will be adjusted accordingly.

4. Difference Between Dates

To find the difference between two date-time values, you can use the TIMESTAMPDIFF() function (which is different but often used in conjunction with TIMESTAMP()).

Summary:

• TIMESTAMP() returns the current date and time when used with no arguments.
• It can also convert a given string or date into a timestamp.