What is Sybase's 'timestamp' Datatype Really Used For?

Sybase's Mysterious 'timestamp' Datatype: Unraveled

Origins of the Timestamp Datatype

In Sybase databases, the 'timestamp' datatype has garnered attention due to its enigmatic nature. However, upon further investigation, it becomes apparent that the term "timestamp" is rather misleading.

Definition and Storage

The 'timestamp' datatype is defined as a binary variable with a length of 8 bytes. This format bears no inherent connection to time or date.

Lack of Temporal Significance

Despite its name, the timestamp datatype has no direct association with time or date. Its primary function lies elsewhere.

Conversion to DateTime

Attempting to convert a timestamp column to a datetime value remains futile. These datatypes are fundamentally distinct, and no direct conversion mechanism exists.

Practical Application: Optimistic Concurrency Control

While timestamp values may seem inconsequential at first glance, they play a crucial role in implementing optimistic concurrency control within Sybase. This technique assumes that multiple transactions can proceed concurrently without interference.

The algorithm entails:

• Recording a timestamp marking the transaction's start
• Reading and updating data
• Checking if other transactions have modified the data
• Committing or rolling back the transaction

By utilizing the timestamp datatype, Sybase can efficiently implement this algorithm, ensuring data integrity during concurrent transactions. While the performance benefits over datetime datatypes remain debatable, this specialized application provides a unique use case for the 'timestamp' datatype in Sybase databases.

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