The following features apply to the DATETIME and DATETIME-TZ data types:

• ABL supports both DATETIME and DATETIME-TZ in ABL data management statements such as ASSIGN, UPDATE, DISPLAY, IMPORT/EXPORT; by the dynamic BUFFER-FIELD and TEMP-TABLE objects; and by ABL functions and conversions that apply to DATE or TIME.
• You can define DATETIME and DATETIME-TZ database and temp-table fields (static and dynamic). The Data Dictionary supports creating DATETIME and DATETIME-TZ database fields.
• You can define a variable or field AS a DATETIME or DATETIME-TZ variable orLIKE a DATETIME or DATETIME-TZ database field.
• You can index DATETIME and DATETIME-TZ database and temp-table fields.
• You can reference DATETIME and DATETIME-TZ data in WHERE clauses.
• You can use all of the ABL constructs (BUFFER-COPY, BUFFER-COMPARE, RAW-TRANSFER) that deal with records containing DATETIME or DATETIME-TZ data.
• You can pass DATETIME and DATETIME-TZ parameters to local or remote procedures and user-defined functions, and as return values from user-defined functions and methods.
• The default initial value for DATETIME and DATETIME-TZ variables or fields is the Unknown value (?). The entire value is unknown if any or all of the parts are unknown.
• You can use NOW to initialize both DATETIME and DATETIME-TZ variable or fields to the current system date and time. The time zone for a DATETIME-TZ initialized to NOW is the time zone of the session creating the DATETIME-TZ.