What are the advantages of using the DateTime type in a MySQL database over storing timestamps?

Using the DateTime type in a MySQL database allows for more flexibility and functionality when working with date and time values. It provides built-in methods for date manipulation, formatting, and calculations, making it easier to work with dates in queries and applications. Additionally, DateTime values are timezone-aware, which helps in handling dates accurately across different time zones.

// Example of using DateTime type in MySQL database
$date = new DateTime('2022-01-01');
$formatted_date = $date->format('Y-m-d H:i:s');

// Inserting DateTime value into database
$query = "INSERT INTO table_name (date_column) VALUES (:date)";
$stmt = $pdo->prepare($query);
$stmt->bindParam(':date', $formatted_date);
$stmt->execute();