SQL Server SYSDATETIMEOFFSET() Function Overview
There is no denying that SQL Server is a fundamental tool in the discipline of data management, and it is imperative for data professionals to learn about the various functions available in SQL Server. One of the most useful functions for managing dates and times is the SYSDATETIMEOFFSET() function.
In this article, we will discuss the purpose, output, syntax, and examples of the SYSDATETIMEOFFSET() function.
Purpose and Output of the SYSDATETIMEOFFSET() Function:
The SYSDATETIMEOFFSET() function is a built-in SQL Server function that returns the current system date and time, including the time zone offset.
The output of the function is a DATETIMEOFFSET(7) data type that has 7 digits of precision for the fractional seconds and the time zone offset. The purpose of the SYSDATETIMEOFFSET() function is to provide accurate and reliable data regarding the current system date and time, and the time zone offset.
The time zone offset is essential since it helps to identify the difference between the current time in the local time zone and the Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
Syntax of the SYSDATETIMEOFFSET() Function:
SYSDATETIMEOFFSET()
This syntax is straightforward, with no parameters required. It returns the current system date and time, along with the time zone offset.
SQL Server SYSDATETIMEOFFSET() Function Examples
Extracting the Time Zone Offset Example:
To extract the time zone offset from the output of the SYSDATETIMEOFFSET() function, you can use the DATEPART() function to extract the values of the time zone offset integers, which represent the number of minutes. For instance, running the following query:
SELECT DATEPART(tzoffset, SYSDATETIMEOFFSET()) / 60Will return the number of hours time zone offset.
Here is an example output:
-7
This output indicates that the current system time is 7 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
Formatting the Time Zone Offset Example:
To format the time zone offset as a string, you can use the FORMAT() function.
This function converts a DATETIMEOFFSET data type into a string representing the time zone offset. Here’s an example:
SELECT FORMAT(SYSDATETIMEOFFSET(), ‘zzz’)
The output is:
Pacific Daylight Time
In this example, the ‘zzz’ format specifier is used to return a three-letter abbreviation for the current time zone.
Conclusion:
The SQL Server SYSDATETIMEOFFSET() function is a crucial function for data management professionals interested in tracking and managing dates and times accurately.
From the purpose and output of this function to its various syntax and examples, it is plain to see that it is a versatile and powerful tool. By mastering the SYSDATETIMEOFFSET() function, data management professionals can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their database management.
In conclusion, the SQL Server SYSDATETIMEOFFSET() function is a crucial tool for data management professionals interested in accurately tracking and managing dates and times. The function’s purpose is to provide reliable data concerning the current system date and time and the time zone offset.
Additionally, the syntax and examples of the function demonstrate its versatility and power. By mastering this function, professionals can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their database management.
Takeaways from this article include extracting the time zone offset using DATEPART() and formatting the time zone offset as a string using FORMAT(). Overall, this article emphasizes the importance of this function and encourages data professionals to explore its capabilities further.