QUEL Reference Guide > QUEL Reference Guide > QUEL Data Types > QUEL Constants
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QUEL Constants
The following special constants can be used in queries:
Constant
Description
Use in
now
The current date and time. You must specify this constant in quotes.
The date() function
null
Indicates a missing or unknown value in a table
Queries and expressions
today
The current date. You must specify this constant in quotes.
The date() function
user
The effective user for the session
Queries and expressions
These constants can be used in queries and expressions. For example:
/* Display the current date and time */
retrieve (dcolumn=date("now"))
/* Add a row to a sales order table, recording the 
current user as the sales clerk, and a billing date 
calulated as one week from today */

append to sales_order 
(item_number="123", clerk=user,
 billing_date=date("today")+date("7 days"));
To specify the effective user, use the Ingres -u flag (for operating system commands).
Last modified date: 11/28/2023