Using XQuery's `current-time()` Function: Retrieving the Current Time

Learn how to retrieve the current time in XQuery using the `current-time()` function. This tutorial explains its functionality, return value (typically HH:MM:SS), and provides examples demonstrating its use in processing time-related information within XML documents.

Using XQuery's `current-time()` Function

The XQuery `current-time()` function retrieves the current time. This is a very useful function for incorporating time-sensitive information into XML documents. The time is returned in a format that depends on the specific XQuery processor.

Understanding `current-time()`

The `current-time()` function returns the current time from the system where the XQuery processor is running. The exact format of the returned time (e.g., HH:MM:SS) can depend on the XQuery engine. However, it will generally be in a format that can be easily used for further processing within your XQuery code.

Example: Retrieving and Displaying the Current Time

This example shows how to retrieve and display the current time using XQuery. (Note: This example requires you to have an XQuery processor and Java Development Kit installed. Screenshots from the original text are not included here. Please refer to the original document for visual verification of the example. The descriptions below aim to convey the information in those screenshots.)

`current-time.xqy` (XQuery File)

let $time := current-time()
return {$time}

`XQueryTester.java` (Java Program)

import java.io.File;
import java.io.FileInputStream;
// ... (other imports) ...

public class XQueryTester {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        // ... (code to execute the XQuery expression using SaxonXQDataSource) ...
    }
}

The Java program uses the Saxon XQuery processor to execute the XQuery expression and display the result. You need to have Saxon HE installed and configured correctly.

Test it Now