How do I query for all dates greater than a certain date in SQL Server?

Engagement with date formatting

Correct date formatting is pivotal in SQL Server to prevent complications associated with language settings, and to leverage index utilization. Bracket your dates with 'YYYYMMDD' for error-free interpretation and date comparisons.

Navigating date strings

In situations when dates are stored as varchar or char, SQL Server provides CAST and CONVERT for string-to-date conversions:

/* Say bye-bye to strings dressed up as dates. */
SELECT * FROM orders WHERE CAST(date_string AS DATE) > '2023-01-01';
-- or --
SELECT * FROM orders WHERE CONVERT(DATE, date_string) > '2023-01-01';
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The usage of CAST or CONVERT ensures SQL Server accurately interpret your strings as dates.

Mastering precision in comparisons

For including time to the minute or second, use the DATETIME type:

/* Time flies… but you are the pilot. */
SELECT * FROM orders WHERE CONVERT(DATETIME, date_string) > '2023-01-01T00:00:00';
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With TIMESTAMP precision, it's of utmost importance to compare dates with identical precision.

Special cases

Tackling timezones

For handling dates over timezones, use AT TIME ZONE for accurate timezone conversions:

/* Let's travel through time... but with the right timezone! */
SELECT * FROM orders 
WHERE CONVERT(DATETIMEOFFSET, date_field) AT TIME ZONE 'Eastern Standard Time' 
      > '2023-01-01T00:00:00-05:00';
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Leap years and SQL functions

SQL Server's date functions come handy for peculiar scenarios like leap years or last day of the month:

/* Leap year? SQL got you covered. */
SELECT * FROM orders
WHERE date_field > EOMONTH('2023-02-01');
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Ensuring clear interpretation

For guaranteeing date string clarity, use a format that SQL server can interpret without ambiguity:

/* Yeah, dates can be confusing too. Let's fix it. */
SELECT * FROM orders WHERE date_field > CONVERT(DATE, '20230407');
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