Скачать или смотреть How to Change Time Zone Settings in Azure SQL Database: A Complete Guide to Getting EST Time

Discover how to effortlessly change time zone settings in Azure SQL Database to get the correct time in your desired zone, especially for `Eastern Standard Time`.
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How to Change Time Zone Settings in Azure SQL Database

Managing your Azure SQL Database effectively requires understanding how to handle time-related data, especially when your database operates on different time zones. If you are based in the Eastern US but find that your getdate() function returns UTC time, you’re not alone. There’s a simple solution that can transform how you retrieve dates and times in your database context. In this guide, we’ll explore how to change time zone settings to retrieve time in Eastern Standard Time (EST).

The Problem: Default Time Zone Settings in Azure SQL

By default, Azure SQL Database returns the current date and time in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). This can pose a challenge for applications that require adherence to specific time zones, such as EST. When you use the getdate() function, it provides the UTC date and time without consideration for your local time zone.

The Solution: Using the AT TIME ZONE Syntax

To get the current date and time in the Eastern Standard Time zone, you don’t need to change server settings. Instead, Azure SQL provides a handy method using the AT TIME ZONE functionality. This method allows for converting the time returned from UTC to your desired time zone seamlessly. Here’s how to do it:

Step-by-Step Instructions

Use the SYSDATETIMEOFFSET() Function: This function returns the current date and time along with the time zone offset.

Convert to the Desired Time Zone: Utilize the AT TIME ZONE syntax to convert UTC time into Eastern Standard Time.

Here’s the SQL command you would use:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Explanation of the SQL Command

SYSDATETIMEOFFSET(): This function provides the current system date and time with the local time zone offset.

AT TIME ZONE: This extension allows you to specify which time zone you want the time converted to. In this case, it’s Eastern Standard Time.

Benefits of This Approach

Automatic Daylight Saving Time Adjustment: When you use the AT TIME ZONE clause, Azure SQL will automatically adjust for Daylight Saving Time, ensuring your returned time is always accurate.

Easy Implementation: You don’t need to change any server settings; simply use this command whenever you need the time in EST.

Conclusion

Adapting your SQL Database to handle time zone requirements doesn't have to be a hassle. By utilizing the SYSDATETIMEOFFSET() function with the AT TIME ZONE clause, you can easily get the current date and time in Eastern Standard Time. This simple yet powerful SQL feature helps ensure that your applications behave as expected, accounting for local time zones without any additional configurations.

If you have any questions or need further assistance with Azure SQL Database, feel free to reach out. Happy coding!