EXTRACTYEAR

EXTRACTYEAR is a date function designed to return the calendar year component from a date or timestamp value. It is used in data queries and transformations to obtain the year as an integer, enabling year-based grouping, filtering, or aggregation.

The availability and exact syntax of EXTRACTYEAR vary by database or processing tool. Some systems provide EXTRACTYEAR as a dedicated function, while others implement year extraction through alternative forms such as EXTRACT(YEAR FROM date), YEAR(date), or DATEPART(year, date). In practice, users should consult their specific platform’s documentation to determine the correct syntax and return type. The function typically accepts a date, timestamp, or a string that can be parsed as a date, and returns an integer representing the year. Behavior for null or invalid inputs also depends on the environment, with common outcomes being null or an error.

Examples across environments illustrate the concept rather than a single universal syntax. A hypothetical usage might be: SELECT EXTRACTYEAR(order_date) FROM orders; which would yield values like 2021 or 2022. In dialects that separate the year extraction into a part function, you might see SELECT EXTRACT(YEAR FROM order_date) AS year FROM orders.

Edge cases include handling of time zones, historical calendar systems, and dates prior to the common era in specialized applications. Because EXTRACTYEAR is not part of a single universal standard, it is important to verify behavior, return types, and performance implications in the specific SQL dialect or data tool being used.

See also: EXTRACT, YEAR, DATEPART, TIMESTAMP, date functions.