Timestamps in Oracle and ODBC

The ODBC driver for Oracle does not support TimeStamp data type. Click here for more information. This prevents users from submitting a query like below:


SELECT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP FROM dual


Trying to submit this query typically results in an error like:

Workaround

As a workaround try using the WinSQL Oracle Wire Protocol driver that comes with WinSQL. This driver has the ability to bind a TimeStamp data type to a DATE type and can therefore, display the results correctly.

Following steps demonstrates how to accomplish this task.

• Create a new ODBC DSN using WinSQL Oracle Wire Protocol Driver. Click here if you need help
• Once the DNS is created, click on the Advanced tab and select Enable TimeStamp with Timezone