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SQL DATE format is the set of functions and pattern codes that convert DATE or TIMESTAMP values to readable strings (e.g., "YYYY-MM-DD") or parse strings back into dates.
Learn how to convert, parse, and display dates across PostgreSQL, MySQL, and SQL Server with best-practice pattern codes.
SQL DATE format is the collection of built-in functions and pattern codes each database exposes to transform DATE or TIMESTAMP values into strings like "2024-05-30" or back again. Proper formatting enforces ISO 8601 consistency and prevents locale-driven errors.
Use TO_CHAR(date_value, 'YYYY-MM-DD'). PostgreSQL supports rich template tokens such as 'YYYY' (year), 'MM' (month), 'DD' (day), 'HH24' (24-hour). Example: SELECT TO_CHAR(order_date,'YYYY-MM-DD') AS order_day.
Apply DATE_FORMAT(date_value, '%Y-%m-%d'). Tokens start with %: %Y (year), %m (month), %d (day). Example: SELECT DATE_FORMAT(order_date,'%Y-%m-%d') AS order_day.
Use FORMAT(date_value,'yyyy-MM-dd') or the faster CONVERT(VARCHAR(10), date_value, 23). Style 23 outputs ISO 8601 (yyyy-mm-dd).
Key tokens include 'YYYY' (or %Y) for four-digit year, 'MM' (%m) for month, 'DD' (%d) for day, 'HH24' (%H) for 24-hour, 'MI' (%i) for minute, and 'SS' (%s) for second. Mixing tokens across dialects causes errors.
In PostgreSQL use TO_DATE('2024-05-30','YYYY-MM-DD'); in MySQL use STR_TO_DATE('30/05/2024','%d/%m/%Y'). Always validate input length and pattern to avoid silent truncation.
PostgreSQL: EXTRACT(month FROM order_date). SQL Server: DATEPART(month, order_date). MySQL: MONTH(order_date). Extracted integers are ideal for grouping.
Store dates in UTC, use ISO 8601 patterns, cast once then reuse, avoid formatting in JOINs, and keep presentation formatting in the application layer. These habits reduce time-zone bugs.
Galaxy’s AI copilot autocompletes TO_CHAR, DATE_FORMAT, and CONVERT syntax, flags invalid tokens, and suggests ISO 8601 style. Metadata tooltips show column types so you know when to cast or index date columns.
A SaaS team uses Galaxy Collections to endorse a query that truncates created_at to 'YYYY-MM' with TO_CHAR(created_at,'YYYY-MM'). Sharing the endorsed query prevents inconsistent month calculations across analytics and billing.
SQL DATE formatting keeps analytics, reports, and integrations in sync. Databases store dates in binary, but users need readable strings. Without consistent formatting, JOIN keys mismatch, dashboards mis-aggregate by month, and APIs reject ill-formed timestamps. A clear understanding of pattern codes eliminates costly timezone and locale bugs.
TO_CHAR and CAST serve different purposes. TO_CHAR outputs text, while CAST converts between data types. For pure formatting, TO_CHAR is appropriate and has negligible overhead when used outside filtering clauses.
Yes. Use DATE_FORMAT(date_col,'%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%sZ') for UTC timestamps or store dates as DATETIME with CONVERT_TZ to UTC.
Galaxy’s autocomplete surfaces valid tokens as you type, highlights mismatched patterns, and rewrites queries when you switch databases, eliminating syntax drift.
Yes. Wrapping indexed columns in functions prevents the optimizer from using the index. Compare raw DATE values whenever possible.
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