MySQL CURDATE() Function

The CURDATE() function in MySQL returns the current date. It is useful for retrieving today's date in your queries.

Definition and Usage

• The CURDATE() function returns the current date as a string in the format YYYY-MM-DD or as a numeric value in the YYYYMMDD format.

Syntax

CURDATE()

Technical Details

• Works in: From MySQL 4.0
• Return Value: Returns the current date in the format YYYY-MM-DD.

Examples

Example 1: Return the current date

SELECT CURDATE();

Output:

2024-12-28

This will return the current date in the YYYY-MM-DD format.

Example 2: Return the current date + 1 (next day's date)

SELECT CURDATE() + 1;

Output:

2024-12-29

This query adds 1 day to the current date and returns the next day's date.

Related Functions

• CURRENT_DATE(): Equivalent to CURDATE().
• NOW(): Returns the current date and time.
• CURRENT_TIME(): Returns the current time.
• CURTIME(): Returns the current time.

Use Cases

• Time-based Calculations: To find the current date and perform calculations based on it (e.g., due dates, expiration dates).
• Date Comparison: Useful in queries where you need to compare dates, like checking if a record's date is after or before today's date.