Timely Precision Woes in MySQL

Despite its popularity, MySQL has a known limitation: it doesn't natively support precision beyond seconds for its TIMESTAMP field and related functions. This can be a significant hindrance for applications that require microsecond or millisecond precision.

One potential workaround involves using a BIGINT field to store timestamps as integer values representing milliseconds or microseconds since the epoch. However, this approach has potential drawbacks, such as compatibility issues with existing code and the need for custom functions to convert values to and from the SQL format.

Another option is to compile a UDF (user-defined function) extension that adds microsecond precision to MySQL. However, this approach can introduce additional complexity and the risk of breaking compatibility if the extension is not maintained.

Thankfully, MySQL developers have addressed this limitation in version 5.6.4 onwards. Fractional seconds with up to microsecond precision are now supported for TIME, DATETIME, and TIMESTAMP values, eliminating the need for workarounds or compatibility concerns.