SQL Server DATETIME2FROMPARTS() Function: A Complete Guide
As technology advances, so does our need to store, manipulate and retrieve information from one another. One critical piece of data that is necessary in most database systems is a date value.
Microsoft SQL Server provides an extensive list of functions and tools for managing and manipulating data, and one such tool is the DATETIME2FROMPARTS() function. In this article, we will provide you with everything you need to know about the DATETIME2FROMPARTS() function.
Overview
The DATETIME2FROMPARTS() function is a SQL Server function that allows the construction of a DATETIME2 value from individual parts such as year, month, day, hour, minute, seconds, and fractions. It is designed to make the construction of a date value more accessible and thus more efficient.
Primary Keyword(s):
- DATETIME2FROMPARTS()
- date value
- year
- month
- day
- hour
- minute
- seconds
- fractions
- precision
Arguments
The DATETIME2FROMPARTS function requires a minimum of three required arguments for the year, month, and day parts. The hour, minute, seconds, and fractions parts are optional, and precision is an optional integer value.
Primary Keyword(s):
- year
- month
- day
- hour
- minute
- seconds
- fractions
- precision
Return Value and Error Handling
The DATETIME2FROMPARTS function will return a DATETIME2 value constructed from the specified parts. If NULL is passed as an argument, the function returns NULL.
If the values passed in the arguments are invalid, the function returns an error.
Primary Keyword(s):
- DATETIME2
- NULL
- error
Examples of Using the DATETIME2FROMPARTS() Function
Example 1: Return DATETIME2 from Values
Suppose we would like to construct a DATETIME2 value with the following parts: year=2015, month=9, day=3, hour=14, minute=30, seconds=5, and fractions=23. In that case, we can use the DATETIME2FROMPARTS() function to construct the DATETIME2 value.
Syntax: DATETIME2FROMPARTS(year, month, day, hour, minute, seconds, fractions, precision)
SELECT DATETIME2FROMPARTS(2015, 9, 3, 14, 30, 5, 23, 7)Output: 2015-09-03 14:30:05.0230000
Example 2: NULL Arguments
Suppose we would like to construct a DATETIME2 value with the following parts: year=2015, month=NULL, day=3, hour=NULL, minute=30, seconds=NULL, and fractions=NULL. In that case, we can use the DATETIME2FROMPARTS() function with NULL values as arguments.
Syntax: DATETIME2FROMPARTS(year, month, day, hour, minute, seconds, fractions, precision)
SELECT DATETIME2FROMPARTS(2015, NULL, 3, NULL, 30, NULL, NULL, NULL)Output: NULL
Example 3: Invalid Values in Arguments
Suppose we would like to construct a DATETIME2 value with an invalid month value of 13. In that case, we can use the DATETIME2FROMPARTS function, but an error will be returned.
Syntax: DATETIME2FROMPARTS(year, month, day, hour, minute, seconds, fractions, precision)
SELECT DATETIME2FROMPARTS(2015, 13, 3, 14, 30, 5, 23, 7)Error Message: The month parameter must be a value between 1 and 12.
Primary Keyword(s):
- invalid
- error message
Conclusion
In conclusion, the DATETIME2FROMPARTS() function is an excellent SQL Server function that allows constructing a DATETIME2 value from individual parts such as year, month, day, hour, minute, seconds, and fractions with precision. It is designed to make the construction of a date value easier and more efficient, especially when dealing with date values in a database system.
The DATETIME2FROMPARTS() function requires a minimum of three required arguments, and NULL is used to denote any missing arguments. Finally, it is essential to know that passing invalid argument values returns an error.
With the examples provided above, we hope that this article has been informative and useful in helping you understand the DATETIME2FROMPARTS() function. In conclusion, the DATETIME2FROMPARTS() function is a valuable tool for constructing a DATETIME2 value from individual parts in SQL Server.
The function requires a minimum of three required arguments, and NULL is used to denote any missing arguments. It is essential to understand that passing invalid argument values returns an error.
The examples provided in this article will help you understand the function’s usage more clearly and effectively. In database systems, date values are critical pieces of information, and knowing how to construct and manipulate them can save time and make the database’s management more efficient.
Ultimately, the DATETIME2FROMPARTS() function is an essential tool in the SQL Server toolkit, and by understanding how it works, database administrators can build more effective and efficient databases.