How to Insert Random Datetimes Within a Specific Range in MySQL?

Inserting Random Datetimes within a Range in MySQL

Inserting random datetime values within a given range can be challenging using SQL. Given a range such as "2010-04-30 14:53:27" to "2012-04-30 14:53:27," precisely inserting values within that range can be confusing.

Solution:

To insert random datetime values within a specified range, use the following approach:

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

Explanation:

• The UNIX_TIMESTAMP() function converts the base date and time ("2010-04-30 14:53:27") to a Unix timestamp.
• RAND() generates a random floating-point number between 0 and 1.
• 63072000 is the number of seconds in two years (or 60 60 24 365 2).
• FLOOR() rounds the generated random number down to the nearest integer.
• The resulting value is added to the base Unix timestamp, representing a random number of seconds within the two-year range.
• FROM_UNIXTIME() converts the modified Unix timestamp back to a DATETIME.

While this approach is fairly accurate, it should be noted that over longer time periods, factors such as leap years may result in minor deviations from the exact range.

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