Database Reference
In-Depth Information
Summary
We've covered almost all of the date and time functions in MySQL and MariaDB in this
chapter. There are only a few more. We skipped the aliases (e.g.,
ADDDATE()
for
DATE_ADD()
,
SUBDATE()
for
DATE_SUB()
). There are also a few other functions for
specialized needs, which you can learn as you need them. You've learned plenty in this
chapter, and the information here should come in handy for many years.
The primary reason we went through so many date and time functions is because the date
and time is a major part of most cultures: when something has happened, when something
will happen, making appointments, and how much time has passed are common concerns
when people interact with one another. This information is therefore a significant compon-
ent of a database. I want you to be familiar with the temporal functions and to have a firm
grasp on what tools are available. To that end, work through the exercises in the following
section. You'll retain more of what you learned in this chapter if you do.
