MySQL CURTIME() Function

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

Definition and Usage

• The CURTIME() function returns the current time.

Syntax

CURTIME()

Technical Details

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

Examples

Example 1: Return the current time

SELECT CURTIME();

Output:

14:30:15

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

Example 2: Return the current time + 1 second

SELECT CURTIME() + 1;

Output:

14:30:16

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

Related Functions

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

Use Cases

• Time-based Calculations: Useful when you need to calculate or compare times in queries.
• Logging Events: When you need to store the time of an event or action.
• Displaying Current Time: You can use CURTIME() when you need to show the current time in a report or UI.