The MySQL CURRENT_DATE function is a date and time function that returns the current date in the format ‘YYYY-MM-DD’. This function does not require any arguments and is often used when you need to retrieve the current date within a MySQL query or as a default value for a column.

Syntax

Here’s a brief explanation of how to use the CURRENT_DATE function:

SELECT CURRENT_DATE;

This simple SQL query will return the current date in the ‘YYYY-MM-DD’ format. You can use the result of this function in various scenarios, such as filtering data based on the current date or inserting the current date into a table.

Example

For example, you might use the CURRENT_DATE function to filter records in a table where the date is greater than or equal to the current date:

SELECT * FROM your_table
WHERE date_column >= CURRENT_DATE;

Additionally, you can use the CURRENT_DATE function when inserting data into a table to set the default value for a date column:

INSERT INTO your_table (name, date_column)
VALUES ('John Doe', CURRENT_DATE);

This query will insert a new record into the table, setting the date_column to the current date.

It’s important to note that the CURRENT_DATE function does not include a time component; it only provides the current date. If you need both date and time information, you can use the NOW function instead. However, if you’re specifically interested in the current date, CURRENT_DATE is a concise and efficient choice.