Update and create timestamps with MySQL
A lot of relational tables need created and update timestamps columns. I prefer having them for all tables with no exception. However, most of applications I am working on are running MySQL. MySQL has minor limitation on timestamps. Unfortunately you can create only one time stamp column that has DEFAULT NOW() value. Read more to see how to avoid this limitation.
The simplest way to do this is create the following columns in the table:
But MySQL will return the following error:
ERROR 1293 (HY000): Incorrect table definition; there can be only one TIMESTAMP column with CURRENT_ in DEFAULT or ON UPDATE clause
You can use only one of the definitions in one table. However here is the way how to create both timestamps columns:
Note that it is necessary to enter nulls into both columns during ‘insert’:
The simplest way to do this is create the following columns in the table:
stamp_created timestamp default now(),
stamp_updated timestamp default now() on update now()) But MySQL will return the following error:
ERROR 1293 (HY000): Incorrect table definition; there can be only one TIMESTAMP column with CURRENT_ in DEFAULT or ON UPDATE clause
You can use only one of the definitions in one table. However here is the way how to create both timestamps columns:
create table test_table(
id integer not null auto_increment primary key,
stamp_created timestamp default '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
stamp_updated timestamp default now() on update now()
); Note that it is necessary to enter nulls into both columns during ‘insert’:
mysql> insert into test_table(stamp_created, stamp_updated) values(null, null);
Query OK, 1 row affected (0.06 sec)
mysql> select * from t5;
+----+---------------------+---------------------+
| id | stamp_created | stamp_updated |
+----+---------------------+---------------------+
| 2 | 2009-04-30 09:44:35 | 2009-04-30 09:44:35 |
+----+---------------------+---------------------+
2 rows in set (0.00 sec)
mysql> update test_table set id = 3 where id = 2;
Query OK, 1 row affected (0.05 sec) Rows matched: 1 Changed: 1 Warnings: 0
mysql> select * from test_table;
+----+---------------------+---------------------+
| id | stamp_created | stamp_updated |
+----+---------------------+---------------------+
| 3 | 2009-04-30 09:44:35 | 2009-04-30 09:46:59 |
+----+---------------------+---------------------+
2 rows in set (0.00 sec)
mysql>
You can use triggers in tables and avoid inserting NULL in your insert statement. This would enforce the current timestamp in that column.
BalasHapuseg.
DELIMITER $$
CREATE trigger trgrname
before insert on test_table
for each row
begin
set new.stamp_created = current_timestamp;
end$$
DELIMITER ;
Agreed, but I prefer avoid triggers.
BalasHapusBoth solutions have weak points.
"Note that it is necessary to enter nulls into both columns during ‘insert’:"
BalasHapusActually, you only need the null for the stamp_created as the stamp_updated will get updated automatically.
mysql> insert into test_table(stamp_created) values(NULL);
Query OK, 1 row affected (0.00 sec)
mysql> select * from test_table;
+----+---------------------+---------------------+
| id | stamp_created | stamp_updated |
+----+---------------------+---------------------+
| 5 | 2009-06-17 15:54:18 | 2009-06-17 15:54:18 |
+----+---------------------+---------------------+
Oops, misread the default value thing. I just tried it, and by default it'll insert a timestamp value of '0000-00-00 00:00:00'.
BalasHapusI was doing the same experiments that you mentioned in your blog. The trick above is the only one way to have both timestamps in current MySQL version.
BalasHapusthanks a lot for the great tips...
BalasHapusthnx Bogdan, good trick
BalasHapusIt's crazy to have to do this. With dynamic websites, blogs, and such, it would seem obviously intrinsic that the original creation date should be maintained automatically somehow.
BalasHapusOh the naivety of the `nub` :). Thanks for saving me several hours work figuring this out.
Regards,
sl
I don't get it. If you already have a "workaround" which does force you to insert null, why don't you insert NOW() instead of null?
BalasHapusWith trigger workaround you gain the advantage to not mention "stamp_created" at all, so I can see a point there, although I personally refrain from such trigger usage, and I rather add NOW() into my inserts, which is IMHO much better then using "null" hack described here.
Because honestly, this looks more like a bug to me. If you want 0000-00-00 as default, why don't you get it? I would be not shocked if MySQL would decide to change this behaviour later in future and "fix" it. (although I would rather welcome to have 2+ columns default NOW fix :) )
hi! for the "insert into test_table(stamp_created, stamp_updated) values(null, null); " statement.. how would u write it in php codings so that whenever a new data is created, it will automatically include the date created..
BalasHapusbcux right now i tried writing the insert in mysql codings but it only shows null null for other column info.. only the date modified n created are updated..
as im using a webpage to add data it doesn shows the created time.. rather it shows the "0000-00-00 00:00:00". only my updated column can b updated..
pls help thks!
Your weblog is incredibly helpful,I need to connect with u,could i sent e-mail to you?
BalasHapusAnother solution is to use a trigger :
BalasHapusCREATE TABLE sample_table (
id TINYINT(4) NOT NULL AUTO_INCREMENT,
xxx VARCHAR(255) NOT NULL DEFAULT 'value',
date_insert TIMESTAMP NULL DEFAULT NULL,
date_lastupdate TIMESTAMP NOT NULL DEFAULT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP ON UPDATE CURRENT_TIMESTAMP,
PRIMARY KEY (id)
);
CREATE TRIGGER sample_table_on_insert BEFORE INSERT
ON sample_table
FOR EACH ROW
SET NEW.date_insert = CURRENT_TIMESTAMP