Laravel - What's the difference between timestamp() and timestampTz()?

Basicly timestampsTz() stands for Timestamp with Timezone while timestamps() is like Timestamp without timezone

TimestampsTz() is a representation for a specific point in time. The adjustment to this time is made by the timezone that is related to your system.

The normal timestamps() is more a representation like normal clock.

Have a look at this example:

If you are using the timestamps() function you will also store the timezone that was chosen by your environment. If you are using the timestampsTz() you will not safe the timezone.

I guess it would be good practice to use timestamp without timezone when all your data is for sure in the same zone, or you got another layer over there which handles the time conversion.

Update:

In the Database the normal timestamps() will look like

2004-10-19 10:23:54

while the timestampsTz() looks like

2004-10-19 10:23:54+02

Update 2:

These functions are in Laravel available for every type of Database. But this only differs for PostgreSQL. Have a look at the docs: PostgreSQL Timestamp. In the other databases the timezone information is included in the timestamp automatically.

In all other databases this will have the same output.

timestampsTz() = Adds nullable created_at and updated_at TIMESTAMP (with timezone) equivalent columns.

timestamps() = Adds nullable created_at and updated_at TIMESTAMP equivalent columns.

The difference is that timestampsTz() adds a timezone.