How to use the MySQL CURDATE() function

The CURDATE() function in MySQL returns the current date in ‘YYYY-MM-DD’ format. It is useful for inserting and comparing against the current date.

Syntax

The syntax for CURDATE() is simple:

CURDATE()

It takes no arguments.

Examples

1. Insert current date into a table:

   INSERT INTO purchases(purchase_date)
   VALUES (CURDATE());
   

   This inserts the current date into the purchase_date column.

2. Select records where date field is current date:

   SELECT * FROM appointments WHERE appt_date = CURDATE();
   

   This returns records where the appointment date is today’s date.

3. Compare current date to a specified date:

   SELECT CURDATE() = '2023-11-09';
   

   This compares the current date to the specified date.

4. Use CURRENT_DATE as alias for CURDATE():

   SELECT CURRENT_DATE();
   

   Both CURRENT_DATE() and CURDATE() return the current date.

5. Get the current date and time together:

   SELECT CONCAT(CURDATE(), ' ', CURTIME());
   

   This returns current date and time together.

Other Similar Functions

• CURRENT_DATE() - Alias for CURDATE()
• NOW() - Current date and time
• CURTIME() - Current time
• UNIX_TIMESTAMP() - Unix timestamp

So CURDATE() provides an easy way to use the current date in queries, inserts, and comparisons in MySQL.