SQL Server 2005 - LastUpdated Auto Updated DateTime Column
In the world of databases, the ability to accurately track the last time a record was updated is crucial. This is where the LastUpdated column comes into play. With the release of SQL Server 2005, a new feature was introduced - the ability to automatically update the LastUpdated column with the current date and time. This feature not only saves time and effort, but also ensures that your data is always up-to-date.
So, how does this feature work? Let's dive into the details.
Firstly, it is important to note that the LastUpdated column is just like any other column in your database table. The only difference is that it is automatically updated by SQL Server with the current date and time whenever a record is modified. This means that you don't have to manually update the column every time a change is made to the record.
To enable this feature, you need to specify the data type of the LastUpdated column as "DateTime" and set the default value to "GetDate()". This tells SQL Server to automatically insert the current date and time whenever a new record is inserted or an existing record is updated.
But what about existing records that were inserted before the LastUpdated column was added? In such cases, the column will be populated with the date and time when the column was added. This ensures that all records have a LastUpdated value, even if it is not the actual date and time of the last update.
Now, you may be wondering - what happens if a record is updated multiple times in a short period of time? Will the LastUpdated column be updated every time? The answer is no. SQL Server is smart enough to only update the column if the new value is different from the previous one. This means that if you make multiple updates to a record within a short time frame, the LastUpdated column will only be updated once with the latest date and time.
But why is this feature useful? For starters, it eliminates the need for additional code to update the LastUpdated column. This not only saves time and effort, but also reduces the chances of human error. Additionally, it allows for easier tracking of changes made to records. With the LastUpdated column, you can easily identify when a record was last modified and by whom. This can be especially helpful in cases where data integrity is crucial.
Furthermore, the LastUpdated column can also be used for reporting purposes. You can use it to generate reports on the most recently updated records or to track the frequency of updates made to a particular record. This can provide valuable insights into your data and help with decision-making.
In conclusion, the LastUpdated column in SQL Server 2005 is a useful feature that automatically updates the date and time of the last modification made to a record. It not only saves time and effort, but also ensures data accuracy and allows for easier tracking and reporting. So, if you are still manually updating the LastUpdated column in your database, it's time to let SQL Server do the work for you.
