How to Convert Date Data into a String or Numeric Value

Learn how to extract day, month or year values from date columns.

Using to_char for Date to String Conversion

The to_char PostgreSQL function allows users to convert dates (or numbers) into strings:

UPDATE
  table_name
SET
  date_string = to_char(date_column, 'YYYY-MM-DD')

Using extract for Timestamp Components

The extract function converts temporal data to numeric values while offering specificity by allowing selection of particular timestamp components:

UPDATE
  table_name
SET
  hour = extract(hour from date_column)