NOW

The NOW function returns a timestamp based on a reading of the time-of-day clock when the SQL statement is executed at the current server.

Read syntax diagramSkip visual syntax diagramNOW (6integer)
integer

Specifies the precision of the timestamp. Valid values are 0 to 12, inclusive. If a value is not specified, the default precision of 6 is used.

The value returned by the NOW function is the same as the value returned by the CURRENT_TIMESTAMP special register. If this function is used more than once within a single SQL statement, or used with the CURDATE or CURTIME scalar functions or the CURRENT_DATE, CURRENT_TIME, or CURRENT_TIMESTAMP special registers within a single statement, all values are based on a single clock reading.

The data type of the result is a timestamp with a precision specified by integer. The result cannot be null.

Note

Syntax alternatives: The CURRENT_TIMESTAMP special register should be used for maximal portability. For more information, see Special registers.

Example

  • Return the current timestamp based on the time-of-day clock. 
      SELECT NOW()
    FROM SYSIBM.SYSDUMMY1