SQL CURRENT_TIMESTAMP

What is SQL CURRENT_TIMESTAMP?

Returns the current date and time of the database server at statement execution.

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Compatible dialects for SQL CURRENT_TIMESTAMP: Supported by PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, SQL Server, Oracle, SQLite, Snowflake, Redshift, BigQuery, DB2, and others.

SQL CURRENT_TIMESTAMP Full Explanation

CURRENT_TIMESTAMP is a standard SQL temporal function that yields the current date and time as a TIMESTAMP value. It is evaluated once per SQL statement, meaning every reference within the same statement returns an identical value. Some engines allow an optional fractional-seconds precision, which controls the number of digits shown after the decimal point for seconds. The value reflects the session time zone unless the database stores timestamps without zone data. Unlike GETDATE() or NOW(), CURRENT_TIMESTAMP is ANSI-compliant and portable across most relational databases. Because it is nondeterministic, it cannot be used in indexes or persisted computed columns in certain systems. In read-only or replicated environments, the timestamp is still generated by the executing server, not the source replica.

SQL CURRENT_TIMESTAMP Syntax

CURRENT_TIMESTAMP;
-- or with precision
CURRENT_TIMESTAMP(3);

SQL CURRENT_TIMESTAMP Parameters

precision (integer) - Optional. Number of fractional seconds digits (0-6 in most systems).

Example Queries Using SQL CURRENT_TIMESTAMP

-- Insert creation time automatically
INSERT INTO orders (customer_id, created_at)
VALUES (42, CURRENT_TIMESTAMP);

-- Compare with a past timestamp
SELECT id
FROM sessions
WHERE last_active < CURRENT_TIMESTAMP - INTERVAL '30 minutes';

-- Use precision
SELECT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP(2) AS ts_precision_2;

Expected Output Using SQL CURRENT_TIMESTAMP

Each query returns the server's current date and time at the moment the statement starts executing
The value is a TIMESTAMP such as '2024-05-20 14:23:11
123456'

Use Cases with SQL CURRENT_TIMESTAMP

Populate audit columns like created_at or updated_at
Log event time without client clock dependency
Compare current time to expiration or scheduling fields
Default column value in table definitions (DEFAULT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP)

Common Mistakes with SQL CURRENT_TIMESTAMP

Assuming it updates row by row inside the same statement; it does not
Forgetting that precision support varies by dialect
Expecting session time zone control when the database stores TIMESTAMP WITHOUT TIME ZONE
Using it in deterministic contexts such as indexed computed columns

First Introduced In

SQL-92

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the data type of CURRENT_TIMESTAMP?

It returns a TIMESTAMP or DATETIME type, depending on the database, including both date and time components.

How do I set a default column value to CURRENT_TIMESTAMP?

Define the column with `DEFAULT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP` in the CREATE TABLE or ALTER TABLE statement. The database will populate the column automatically on insert.

Does CURRENT_TIMESTAMP include the time zone?

The value reflects the session's time zone if the data type stores zone information. In databases that store it "without time zone", the literal does not carry zone data even though the clock uses the server time zone.

Why is CURRENT_TIMESTAMP preferred over GETDATE()?

GETDATE() is SQL Server specific, while CURRENT_TIMESTAMP is ANSI standard and portable across multiple database systems.