What is the difference between UTC and local time in SQL?

What is the difference between UTC and local time in SQL?

UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) is a time standard that is not affected by time zones or daylight saving time, while local time refers to the time in a specific time zone, which can vary based on location and daylight saving adjustments.

How do I convert UTC to local time in SQL?

You can use the AT TIME ZONE clause in SQL Server to convert UTC to local time. For example: SELECT YourDateTimeColumn AT TIME ZONE 'UTC' AT TIME ZONE 'YourLocalTimeZone'.

What happens if I store dates in local time?

Storing dates in local time can lead to inconsistencies, especially when daylight saving time changes occur. It's generally recommended to store dates in UTC and convert them to local time when displaying.

Can I store both UTC and local time in the same database?

Yes, you can store both UTC and local time in the same database, but it's important to clearly label and manage them to avoid confusion.