How to insert datetime into the SQL Database table?

Strategic Datetime Insertion Methods

The Safeguard: Parameterized Queries

To securely insert datetime values, use parameterized queries—your best protection against SQL injection and a sure-shot way of handling data types correctly:

// "Paranormal Parameterized Activities - Coming to a Database Near You!"
SqlCommand command = new SqlCommand("INSERT INTO Meetings (StartTime) VALUES (@meetingTime)", connection);
command.Parameters.AddWithValue("@meetingTime", DateTime.Now);
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The Time Traveler: CURRENT_TIMESTAMP

Need to insert the current datetime? SQL Server's CURRENT_TIMESTAMP keyword or GETDATE() function are your time machines:

// "By the power of CURRENT_TIMESTAMP, I complete this log entry... NOW!"
INSERT INTO LogTable (EntryTime) VALUES (CURRENT_TIMESTAMP);
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Or the equivalent spell using GETDATE():

// "Just GETDATE() - Obtain the now, embrace the present!"
INSERT INTO LogTable (EntryTime) VALUES (GETDATE());
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The Transformer: Formatting and Conversion

When changing forms is inevitable, use CAST or CONVERT to mold datetime values to desired formats, like Play-Doh:

// "Cheese-flavored CAST! No worries, it's still digestible by SQL."
INSERT INTO Events (EventDate) VALUES (CAST('2023-04-01 09:30:00' AS DATETIME));
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Use single quotes to box your datetime strings in SQL queries, like precious cargo.

Synchronizing Time Across Timezones

Aligning Time Zones

When your SQL Database is in a different timezone than your users, use AT TIME ZONE to correct any temporal rifts:

// "Marty, that's heavy! Back to Central European Standard Time."
INSERT INTO Events (EventTime) VALUES (CONVERT(datetime, '2023-03-25T14:00:00+01:00') AT TIME ZONE 'Central European Standard Time');
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Performance and the FORMAT function

FORMAT function—it's user-friendly and nifty, but remember this truism: "With great power comes great responsibility". It can impact performance due to its locale dependency:

// "Do not underestimate the power of the FORMAT side"
INSERT INTO Reports (GeneratedTime) VALUES (FORMAT(GETDATE(), 'yyyy-MM-dd HH:mm:ss'));
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Mastering Advanced Datetime Management

The Pro Practice: Stored Procedures

Stored procedures—they centralize datetime format handling and shield from SQL injections like an umbrella during a downpour:

// "Keep it DRY, keep it safe. - Gandalf, probably"
EXEC InsertMeeting '2023-04-01 09:30:00';
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Frameworks to the Rescue:

For a boost in datetime support, turn to Entity Framework in .NET applications:

// "DateTime's got nothing on me!"
var meeting = new Meeting { StartTime = DateTime.Now };
context.Meetings.Add(meeting);
context.SaveChanges();
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Detecting the Subtle Warning

Watch for CONVERSION_IMPLICIT warnings in execution plans. Ignore them at your peril, for they speak of potential performance hits.

Error-Proof Datetime Handling

Data Validation

Validate datetime inputs before insertion, making sure they comply with your table's datetime data type constraints.

Concatenation? Nah!

Avoid direct value concatenation in SQL queries; it can cause formatting issues and potential SQL injections.

DateFormat Tweaks

Adjust SET DATEFORMAT to tell SQL Server how to interpret date strings, but favor ISO 8601 to mitigate discrepancies.

Try, Catch, Repeat

Error handling mechanisms, like try-catch blocks, can help you manage unexpected issues during the datetime insertion process.