How to Convert Epoch Time to a Readable Date Format in SQL

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Summary: Learn how to convert Epoch time to a readable date format using SQL queries. Understand the techniques applicable to Oracle 11g and other SQL databases.
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How to Convert Epoch Time to a Readable Date Format in SQL

Epoch time, also known as Unix time or POSIX time, is a system for tracking time in seconds since January 1, 1970 (UTC). This format simplifies time storage but can be less readable to humans. Converting Epoch time to a traditional date format in SQL is straightforward, but the methodology can vary depending on the SQL database you are using. In this guide, let's explore how to achieve this conversion in different SQL environments, including Oracle 11g.

Conversion in SQL

Oracle 11g

In Oracle 11g, you can use the TO_DATE and TO_CHAR functions to convert and format the Epoch time. Here’s a step-by-step approach:

Convert Epoch Time to Date:
Use the NUMTODSINTERVAL function combined with TO_DATE.

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Replace <<EPOCH_TIME>> with your actual Epoch time value.

Formatting the Date:
Optionally, if you want the date in a specific format, use TO_CHAR:

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Other SQL Databases

PostgreSQL

For PostgreSQL, the conversion process is even simpler due to built-in functions:

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MySQL

In MySQL, you can convert Epoch time using the FROM_UNIXTIME function:

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Practical Example

Let’s say we have an Epoch time 1633024800. The conversion steps would be as follows:

Oracle 11g

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PostgreSQL

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MySQL

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Conclusion

Converting Epoch time to a readable date format in SQL varies slightly depending on the SQL database, but the process is generally straightforward. In Oracle 11g, you use TO_DATE and NUMTODSINTERVAL, whereas in PostgreSQL and MySQL, you can use to_timestamp and FROM_UNIXTIME, respectively. Understanding these methods can greatly enhance your ability to handle timestamp data efficiently in your SQL-based applications.