The difference between now() and today() mainly comes down to time component, timezone handling, and datatype (this is especially relevant in platforms like Appian, SQL, or similar systems).

now()

1. Returns: Current date + time
2. Datatype: DateTime
3. Timezone: ✅ Timezone-awareIt considers the system/user timezone
4. Example:

👉 Use now() when:

1. You need exact timestamp
2. Logging events, audit trails
3. Comparing with other DateTime values

today()

1. Returns: Current date only
2. Datatype: Date
3. Timezone: ⚠️ Indirectly timezone-dependentIt uses the system date (derived from timezone) but no time info stored
4. Example:

👉 Use today() when:

1. You only care about date (not time)
2. Filtering records by date
3. Daily reports

Important Gotcha

1. Comparing now() with today() directly can cause issues:

1. Because:
2. now() → includes time
3. today() → midnight (00:00:00)

✔ Fix: