How to Generate Random Datetime Values within a Specific Range in MySQL?

Generating Random Datetime Values within a Specific Range in MySQL

Inserting random datetime values within a given range is a common requirement in database operations. Using SQL, it's possible to generate such values with some tricks.

For instance, let's consider the range from 2010-04-30 14:53:27 to 2012-04-30 14:53:27. To generate a random datetime within this range, the following approach can be employed:

INSERT INTO `sometable` VALUES(
    FROM_UNIXTIME(
        UNIX_TIMESTAMP('2010-04-30 14:53:27') + FLOOR(0 + (RAND() * 63072000))
    )
)

This query converts the base date of 2010-04-30 14:53:27 to a Unix timestamp. It then adds a random number of seconds between 0 and 63072000 (approximately 2 years) to the base date using the FLOOR() function. Finally, it converts the modified Unix timestamp back to a DATETIME using the FROM_UNIXTIME() function.

This method provides a close approximation of random datetime values within the specified range. However, it may not be entirely accurate over extended periods due to leap years and other calendar adjustments.

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