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mysqldatetimetimestampsqldatatypes

Should I use the datetime or timestamp data type in MySQL?

Would you recommend using a datetime or a timestamp field, and why (using MySQL)?

I'm working with PHP on the server side.

Solution

  • Timestamps in MySQL are generally used to track changes to records, and are often updated every time the record is changed. If you want to store a specific value you should use a datetime field.

    If you meant that you want to decide between using a UNIX timestamp or a native MySQL datetime field, go with the native DATETIME format. You can do calculations within MySQL that way ("SELECT DATE_ADD(my_datetime, INTERVAL 1 DAY)") and it is simple to change the format of the value to a UNIX timestamp ("SELECT UNIX_TIMESTAMP(my_datetime)") when you query the record if you want to operate on it with PHP.

    Also, as of MySQL 8.0.19 the DATETIME supports time zone offsets, so there's even less reason to use TIMESTAMP now.