MySQL: Difference between NOW() and CURDATE()

Indeed, both functions relate to the current date. However, the returned values are nevertheless not the same - so the functions are different even if you do not notice this in some cases. For the sake of completeness, I have added the function CURTIME() to the overview.

• CURDATE() is providing the current date without time, for example 2024-01-01.
• CURTIME() is providing the current time without date, for example 20:00:00.
• NOW() is providing the current date as well as the current time, for example 2024-01-01 20:00:00.

So, there is the following relationship:

CURDATE() = DATE(NOW())
NOW()     = CONCAT(CURDATE(), ' ', CURTIME())

Which function is appropriate for which purpose depends on whether you only need the date, only the time or both of them.
Last update on 2024-04-08 | Created on 2016-04-26