MySQL DATE_FORMAT() Function

Syntax

DATE_FORMAT(date, format)

Basic Example

SELECT DATE_FORMAT(created_at, 'YYYY-MM-DD') AS formatted_date
FROM orders;

When to use it

Use DATE_FORMAT when you need a date operation in MySQL. This page is designed as a quick reference for developers, analysts, and students comparing SQL dialects.

Common mistake

A common mistake is copying syntax from another SQL dialect. Always verify function name, argument order, and formatting tokens for MySQL.

Related SQL Functions

• MySQL CONCAT() Function
• MySQL CONCAT_WS() Function
• MySQL SUBSTRING() Function
• MySQL LEFT() Function
• MySQL RIGHT() Function
• MySQL REPLACE() Function

FAQ

Is DATE_FORMAT available in every SQL database?

Not always. Function names and argument behavior can differ across SQL engines.

Can I use this in SELECT queries?

Yes. Most SQL functions are commonly used in SELECT and often in WHERE, ORDER BY, and GROUP BY depending on the function.