DATETIME vs. TIMESTAMP: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 12, 2024
DATETIME stores dates and times without timezone awareness, while TIMESTAMP also stores dates and times but converts them to UTC for storage and back to local time zone on retrieval.
Key Differences
DATETIME is a data type in SQL that stores date and time information as it is, without any timezone conversion. This means that the time is stored exactly as entered or retrieved, making it suitable for recording events that are timezone-independent. TIMESTAMP, on the other hand, is also a date and time data type but with timezone awareness. It automatically converts stored times to UTC and back to the local time zone when retrieved.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 12, 2024
The storage size of DATETIME is typically larger than that of TIMESTAMP. DATETIME usually requires additional bytes to store date and time information as it doesn’t involve timezone conversion. TIMESTAMP, being timezone-aware, is generally more compact, making it a preferred choice for saving space, especially in large databases.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 12, 2024
In terms of range, DATETIME typically allows for a broader range of dates, often spanning hundreds of years. TIMESTAMP, while also covering a wide range, might have a more restricted range due to its conversion to UTC and the way it's stored. This is important to consider when deciding which to use based on the time period your data covers.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 12, 2024
DATETIME is ideal for values that require no adjustment across time zones, such as birthdays or historical dates. TIMESTAMP is better suited for values that are affected by time zones, like log timestamps or event times that need to be consistent regardless of the user's location.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 12, 2024
Regarding default values, TIMESTAMP columns can be set to automatically receive the current timestamp of the system when a row is inserted or updated, which is useful for tracking changes. DATETIME fields generally don't have this feature and require explicit setting of their values.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 12, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Timezone Awareness
No timezone conversion.
Converts to/from UTC automatically.
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Feb 12, 2024
Automatic Update Feature
Generally does not auto-update.
Can auto-update with current timestamp.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 12, 2024
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DATETIME and TIMESTAMP Definitions
DATETIME
DATETIME represents a specific date and time without timezone context.
The contract’s start date is stored as a DATETIME value.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
TIMESTAMP
TIMESTAMP represents date and time with automatic UTC conversion.
The server logs each transaction with a TIMESTAMP.
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Jan 24, 2024
DATETIME
DATETIME is used to store dates and times as they are inputted.
The user’s registration date is recorded in a DATETIME field.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
TIMESTAMP
TIMESTAMP automatically adjusts to the viewer’s time zone.
The post’s publication time is stored as a TIMESTAMP.
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Jan 24, 2024
DATETIME
DATETIME is a SQL data type that does not consider time zone differences.
Her birthdate and time are saved as a DATETIME value.
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Jan 24, 2024
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TIMESTAMP
TIMESTAMP is used for time-sensitive data that needs timezone awareness.
User login times are recorded as TIMESTAMP values for security.
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Jan 24, 2024
DATETIME
DATETIME stores both date and time in a single field.
The event's exact start time is captured in a DATETIME column.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
TIMESTAMP
TIMESTAMP can auto-update to the current time on data manipulation.
The last modified date of the document is a TIMESTAMP field.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
DATETIME
DATETIME is ideal for historical or fixed date and time data.
The museum artifact’s discovery date is a DATETIME in the database.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
TIMESTAMP
TIMESTAMP is a compact SQL data type ideal for tracking changes over time.
Each record update is timestamped for audit purposes.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
DATETIME
(programming) A variable or data type that can hold both date and time components.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
TIMESTAMP
(computing) A variable containing the date and time at which an event occurred, often included in a log to track the sequence of events.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can TIMESTAMP store historical dates like DATETIME?
Yes, but its range is typically narrower than DATETIME.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 12, 2024
How does TIMESTAMP handle time zones?
It converts time to UTC for storage and back to local time zone on retrieval.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 12, 2024
Does DATETIME require more storage space than TIMESTAMP?
Yes, generally DATETIME requires more space.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 12, 2024
What does DATETIME represent in a database?
It represents a combination of date and time without timezone awareness.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 12, 2024
Should I use DATETIME for birthdates?
Yes, DATETIME is suitable for fixed events like birthdates.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 12, 2024
Is DATETIME affected by daylight saving changes?
No, DATETIME does not automatically adjust for daylight saving.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 12, 2024
Does TIMESTAMP have an automatic update feature?
Yes, it can be set to auto-update with the current timestamp.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 12, 2024
Is TIMESTAMP suitable for logs and transaction records?
Yes, it’s ideal for such applications due to timezone conversion.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 12, 2024
Is TIMESTAMP good for globally distributed systems?
Yes, it’s ideal due to its timezone conversion capabilities.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 12, 2024
Can DATETIME automatically update to the current time?
No, DATETIME usually requires manual setting.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 12, 2024
What is the default timezone for TIMESTAMP?
The default timezone for TIMESTAMP is UTC.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 12, 2024
Can DATETIME be used for timestamps in logs?
It’s possible, but TIMESTAMP is usually more appropriate.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 12, 2024
Are DATETIME values mutable after insertion?
Yes, but they do not automatically change.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 12, 2024
Is DATETIME affected by timezone settings of the server?
No, DATETIME values remain constant regardless of server timezone.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 12, 2024
How does TIMESTAMP handle Daylight Saving Time (DST)?
It automatically adjusts for DST changes based on UTC.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 12, 2024
Can I use DATETIME for event scheduling in different time zones?
It’s not recommended, as it lacks timezone awareness.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 12, 2024
Does TIMESTAMP support a wide range of historical dates?
Its range is generally more limited compared to DATETIME.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 12, 2024
Can TIMESTAMP be used without timezone conversions?
No, its primary feature is automatic timezone conversion.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 12, 2024
How does DATETIME handle leap seconds?
DATETIME does not account for leap seconds.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 12, 2024
What’s the main advantage of using TIMESTAMP over DATETIME?
TIMESTAMP’s main advantage is its automatic timezone handling.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 12, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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