In SQL Server, the data type for time is called TIME. This data type was introduced in SQL Server 2008 and it allows you to store time values without a date component. The TIME data type is useful when you need to work with time-specific data such as tracking events or scheduling tasks.
Using the TIME Data Type
The TIME data type in SQL Server is represented as HH:MM:SS.ssssss, where:
- HH: Represents the hours in 24-hour format (ranging from 00 to 23).
- MM: Represents the minutes (ranging from 00 to 59).
- SS.ssssss: Represents the seconds and fractional seconds (ranging from 00.0000000 to 59.9999999).
You can also specify a precision for the fractional seconds, ranging from 0 to 7.
Creating a Table with TIME Data Type
To create a table that includes a column with the TIME data type, you can use the following syntax:
CREATE TABLE MyTable (
EventTime TIME(3)
);
In this example, we have created a table named “MyTable” with a column named “EventTime” of type TIME(3). The “(3)” specifies that we want to store up to three digits of precision for the fractional seconds.
Inserting Values into a TIME Column
To insert values into a column with the TIME data type, you can use the following syntax:
INSERT INTO MyTable (EventTime) VALUES ('12:34:56.789');
This will insert the specified time value into the “EventTime” column of the “MyTable” table.
Retrieving Values from a TIME Column
To retrieve values from a column with the TIME data type, you can use the standard SELECT statement:
SELECT EventTime FROM MyTable;
This will return all the values stored in the “EventTime” column of the “MyTable” table.
Performing Operations with TIME Data Type
The TIME data type in SQL Server allows you to perform various operations such as:
- Comparison: You can compare two time values using comparison operators like =, >, <, etc.
- Arithmetic: You can perform arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, etc., on time values.
- Date and Time Functions: SQL Server provides various built-in functions to manipulate and extract information from time values, such as DATEPART, DATEADD, etc.
Conclusion
The TIME data type in SQL Server is a valuable tool when working with time-specific data. It allows you to store, manipulate, and retrieve time values efficiently. By using the TIME data type appropriately in your database design, you can ensure accurate and efficient handling of time-related information.