SQL GETDATE() vs CURRENT_TIMESTAMP: Which One to Use?

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You’re writing SQL code and need the current date and time. Easy, right? But then you hit this wall: should you use GETDATE() or CURRENT_TIMESTAMP? They seem to do the same thing. Are they twins, cousins, or just lookalikes?

Don’t worry. We’re going to break it down nice and easy. By the end of this article, you’ll know which one to use, when to use it, and why it even matters.

What Do They Do?

Both GETDATE() and CURRENT_TIMESTAMP return the current date and time from the system where your SQL Server is hosted.

They return a value in this format:

YYYY-MM-DD hh:mm:ss.mmm

So for example, you might get:

2024-06-08 14:23:45.123

Looks the same, right? But wait. Let’s dig deeper!

How Are They Similar?

Let’s start with what makes them almost identical:

  • Both return the current date and time.
  • Both are based on the server’s clock.
  • Both return data in the datetime data type in SQL Server.
  • Both can be used in WHERE clauses, SELECTs, INSERTs, and more.

You might be thinking, “Sounds like I can use either one and move on faster.” You’re kind of right. But hold that thought!

The Differences Explained

Here’s where it starts to get interesting. While they may look the same on the surface, there’s a key difference under the hood:

  • GETDATE() is a SQL Server-specific function.
  • CURRENT_TIMESTAMP is ANSI SQL standard.

What does that mean? Simply put, CURRENT_TIMESTAMP will work in lots of different databases like Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and more. GETDATE() will only work in SQL Server.

Let’s put them side by side:

Function Cross-Database? Returns Common Use
GETDATE() No (SQL Server only) datetime Quick timestamping in SQL Server apps
CURRENT_TIMESTAMP Yes (ANSI SQL) datetime Portable code across databases

So the first difference is about portability. Want your SQL code to work on more than just SQL Server? Then go for CURRENT_TIMESTAMP.

Syntax Showdown

Let’s compare the syntax too:

SELECT GETDATE();

versus

SELECT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP;

Notice something? GETDATE() has parentheses. CURRENT_TIMESTAMP doesn’t. That’s because CURRENT_TIMESTAMP is not a function—it’s an expression. Small difference, but it can matter if you’re picky about syntax style.

Performance Check

Here’s the truth: performance differences between the two are negligible. They both talk to the system clock and retrieve the date and time instantly. So no need to worry about speed here.

Real-World Examples

Let’s say you’re inserting a record into a table and you want to store when it was added. Here’s what that looks like:

INSERT INTO Orders (CustomerID, OrderDate)
VALUES (123, GETDATE());

Or, using CURRENT_TIMESTAMP:

INSERT INTO Orders (CustomerID, OrderDate)
VALUES (123, CURRENT_TIMESTAMP);

Both will do the job. But if you’re planning to switch your database later, better go with the standard one.

So, Which One Should You Use?

Here’s a quick rundown to help you decide:

  • Use GETDATE() if:
    • You’re working only with SQL Server.
    • You prefer writing with function syntax.
    • Your team already uses it everywhere.
  • Use CURRENT_TIMESTAMP if:
    • You want your code to be portable.
    • You’re writing generic SQL code.
    • You’re following SQL best practices and standards.

What About Other Functions?

Hold on, because SQL Server gives you more options!

  • SYSDATETIME() — Even more precise, returns a datetime2.
  • GETUTCDATE() — Returns date and time in UTC, useful for international apps.
  • SYSUTCDATETIME() — Higher-precision version of GETUTCDATE().

These are useful if you need more accuracy or deal with time zones often. But for most day-to-day work, GETDATE() and CURRENT_TIMESTAMP are all you need.

What About Format?

Worried about how the date/time looks? SQL Server doesn’t change the display format between the two. But if you need something friendlier, you might format them like this:

SELECT FORMAT(GETDATE(), 'yyyy-MM-dd hh:mm tt');

This gives you something like:

2024-06-08 02:23 PM

Pretty nice, right?

Final Thoughts

Here’s the bottom line:

  • Both GETDATE() and CURRENT_TIMESTAMP return the current date and time.
  • GETDATE() – SQL Server only, function syntax.
  • CURRENT_TIMESTAMP – ANSI standard, more portable.

Pick the one that suits your needs. If you’re sticking with SQL Server forever and love the function format, go for GETDATE().

But if you dream in database agnosticism, CURRENT_TIMESTAMP is your friend.

One Last Handy Tip

No matter which one you use, always check what kind of data type your column expects. Don’t send a datetime value into a varchar field and wonder why things break later!

Now you’re ready to timestamp like a pro. Whether it’s GETDATE() or CURRENT_TIMESTAMP, you’ve got the knowledge to choose wisely.

Happy coding!

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