"Invalid Default Value for 'create_date' Field: Understanding NO_ZERO_DATE SQL Mode"

In a recent SQL create statement, you encounter the error "'Invalid default value for 'create_date'" for the following SQL:

CREATE  TABLE IF NOT EXISTS `erp`.`je_menus` (
    ...
    `create_date` TIMESTAMP NOT NULL DEFAULT  '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
    ...
) 

To resolve this error, it's crucial to understand the MySQL SQL Mode, specifically the NO_ZERO_DATE setting. This setting disallows the use of '0000-00-00' as a valid date in strict mode. This occurs because SQL treats boolean values as numbers (e.g., TRUE = 1, FALSE = 0) and stores dates as integers representing the number of days since a reference point. Consequently, using '0000-00-00' conflicts with the '0' value used for boolean values.

To address this issue, consider the following options:

• Disable NO_ZERO_DATE mode: In your SQL statement, include the statement 'SET SQL_MODE = "NO_ZERO_IN_DATE";' before creating the table. This temporarily disables the NO_ZERO_DATE mode, allowing you to define '0000-00-00' as the default for create_date.
• Use a valid default value: Replace '0000-00-00 00:00:00' with a valid default date in the SQL statement, such as 'CURRENT_TIMESTAMP' or NULL, depending on the desired behavior.
• Use the IGNORE option: If you absolutely need to use '0000-00-00 00:00:00', include the IGNORE option in the SQL statement. However, this can lead to potential data inconsistencies and is generally not recommended.