Add default value of datetime field in SQL Server to a timestamp

📝 Title: Adding a Default Timestamp to a DateTime Field in SQL Server

Introduction 👋 Hey there! Are you struggling with adding a default timestamp to a DateTime field in SQL Server? Don't worry, I've got your back! In this blog post, I'll guide you through common issues and provide easy solutions to set a default value for the exact date and time a record is entered.

The Problem 🔍 You're managing a table that collects forms submitted from your website. However, the table was created without a timestamp field, and now you want to add it. But how can you do it?

The Solution 🔧 Luckily, setting a default timestamp for a DateTime field in SQL Server is straightforward. Let's dive in and see how it's done!

Step 1: Alter the Table 👉 First, you need to alter the table structure to add the new column for the timestamp. You can use the ALTER TABLE statement to achieve this. Here's an example:

ALTER TABLE YourTableName
ADD EntryTimestamp DATETIME DEFAULT GETDATE()

💡 In the above example, YourTableName refers to the actual name of your table. The EntryTimestamp column is the newly added column to store the timestamp. The DEFAULT GETDATE() statement sets the default value for the column as the current date and time.

Step 2: Insert Your Data 📝 Now, whenever you insert data into the table, the EntryTimestamp column will automatically store the current date and time as the default value. Here's an example to demonstrate this:

INSERT INTO YourTableName (Column1, Column2, EntryTimestamp)
VALUES ('Value1', 'Value2', DEFAULT)

💡 In the above example, YourTableName represents your actual table name. Column1 and Column2 are the existing columns where you'll be inserting values, and DEFAULT is used to assign the default value to the EntryTimestamp column.

Step 3: Verify the Result 🔍 To confirm that the default value is working as expected, you can execute a SELECT statement to retrieve the data with the timestamp. Here's an example:

SELECT * FROM YourTableName

🎉 Hooray! You've successfully added a default timestamp to your DateTime field in SQL Server!

Conclusion 🌟 Adding a default timestamp to a DateTime field in SQL Server is essential for recording the time when records are entered into your table. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can effortlessly set up this functionality and save yourself time and effort.

🔗 Now that you've mastered this technique, share it with your friends and colleagues who might be facing the same issue. Together, we can make SQL Server development a breeze! Happy coding! 💻💪