What\'s the Difference Between Datetime and Timestamp in SQL Server?

Understanding the Distinction between Datetime and Timestamp in SQL Server

In SQL Server, the data types Datetime and Timestamp both facilitate the storage of date and time information. However, they differ in their functionality and usage.

Datetime:

Datetime is a traditional data type that explicitly stores both date and time components. It allows for precise representation of dates and times down to the microsecond level. Unlike Timestamp, Datetime values can be specified by users upon insertion or modification of data.

Timestamp:

Timestamp, on the other hand, is a special data type that serves as a row version token (or rowver for short). It is not capable of explicitly storing date and time information, but rather generates a unique value for each row inserted into a table with a Timestamp column. This value automatically increments upon each row modification.

Key Differences:

• Uniqueness: Timestamps are inherently unique, while Datetime values can be duplicated.
• Mutability: Datetime values can be modified manually, but Timestamps are automatically updated and should not be altered directly.
• Representability: Datetime offers precise representation of dates and times, while Timestamp only provides a unique sequence number.
• Usage: Datetime is commonly used to record specific dates and times, while Timestamp is typically employed for tracking row changes and preventing data concurrency issues.

Conclusion:

Datetime and Timestamp in SQL Server are distinct data types with different purposes. Datetime provides explicit date and time storage with flexibility, while Timestamp serves as a unique row identifier that enables versioning and row integrity enforcement.

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