How to Configure and Manage Time Zones in MySQL?

Setting MySQL Time Zone

In MySQL, the time zone can be configured in various locations. This is crucial to ensure accurate time keeping and display within the database.

Configuration Options

1. my.cnf File:
   In the [mysqld] section of the my.cnf configuration file, the default-time-zone parameter can be set to a specific offset (e.g., ' 00:00') or a named time zone (e.g., 'Europe/Helsinki').
2. @@global.time_zone Variable:
   This global variable defines the default time zone for all connections. It can be queried using SELECT @@global.time_zone; and set using SET GLOBAL time_zone = ' 8:00';.
3. @@session.time_zone Variable:
   This session-specific variable sets the time zone for the current session. It is queried and set in a similar manner to @@global.time_zone. If not explicitly set, it inherits the value from @@global.time_zone.

Checking Current Time Zone

To determine the time zone currently in use, use the following query:

SELECT TIMEDIFF(NOW(), UTC_TIMESTAMP);

Retrieving UNIX Timestamp

To obtain the current timestamp as a UNIX timestamp (epoch seconds), use:

SELECT UNIX_TIMESTAMP();

Considerations

Changing the MySQL time zone will not affect the stored datetime or timestamp values in the database. However, it will alter how these values are displayed in the current MySQL time zone.

To ensure accurate time handling, it is essential to correctly configure the time zone in MySQL. This involves setting it to an appropriate offset or named time zone in the my.cnf file, @@global.time_zone, or @@session.time_zone.

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