The convenience BI tools provide is that our SQL queries become “live” – our dashboards will always show us the data relative to the present moment. Like “Signups last 24h” or “Revenue last 30days”. The same applies for the alarms.
Such relativity is possible thanks to the now()
function, which returns the current timestamp. Try it:
SELECT now()
Some SQL databases have a different name for that function, for example Redshift has the getdate()
function instead of now()
.
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About SQL Habit
Hi, it’s Anatoli, the author of SQL Habit. 
SQL Habit is a course (or, as some of the students say, “business simulator”). It’s based on a story of a fictional startup called Bindle. You’ll play a role of their Data Analyst
and solve real-life challenges from Business, Marketing, and Product Management.
SQL Habit course is made of bite-sized lessons (you’re looking at one atm) and exercises. They always have a real-life setting and detailed explanations. You can immediately apply everything you’ve learned at work. 