MySQL CURRENT_TIME() Function

The CURRENT_TIME() function in MySQL returns the current time in the format HH:MM:SS or as a numeric value in the HHMMSS.uuuuuu format.

Definition and Usage

• The CURRENT_TIME() function returns the current time.

Syntax

CURRENT_TIME()

Technical Details

• Works in: From MySQL 4.0
• Return Value: Returns the current time in the format HH:MM:SS.

Examples

Example 1: Return current time

SELECT CURRENT_TIME();

Output:

14:30:15

This query will return the current time in the HH:MM:SS format.

Example 2: Return current time + 1 (next second)

SELECT CURRENT_TIME() + 1;

Output:

14:30:16

This query adds 1 second to the current time and returns the updated time.

Related Functions

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

Use Cases

• Time-based Calculations: Useful when you need the exact time for operations, such as logging events or measuring durations.
• Time Comparison: You can use CURRENT_TIME() in queries that filter data based on time, like comparing if a certain event occurred before or after the current time.