MySQL Timestamps: Why Do They Lack Microsecond Precision?

Timestamps in MySQL: Why the Frustration?

For many developers, MySQL's lack of precision beyond seconds in TIMESTAMP fields can be a major annoyance. This limitation hinders applications that require precise timing, such as those involving microseconds.

Doctrine and the Timestamp Precision Issue

When using Doctrine with MySQL, the actAs: [Timestampable] property allows users to store timestamps. However, as the original poster discovered, Doctrine assigns the current time to the field without preserving microseconds. This can be problematic for applications that rely on high-precision timestamps.

Workaround Options

• BIGINT Field: Storing timestamps as BIGINT fields can preserve millisecond precision, but it requires manual manipulation of values and may affect SQL date manipulation functions.
• UDF Extension: Custom user-defined functions (UDFs) can be compiled to extend MySQL's functionality, including timestamp precision. However, this approach is not recommended as it requires consistent maintenance and is susceptible to version changes.

MySQL 5.6.4 and Beyond: A Solution

Fortunately, MySQL version 5.6.4 introduced support for fractional seconds with up to microsecond precision in TIME, DATETIME, and TIMESTAMP values. This update provides the much-needed functionality without the limitations of workarounds.

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