Multiple choice technology

What is the difference between the system variables $$$SessStartTime and SESSSTARTTIME?

  1. $$$SessStartTime returns the session start time as a string, and SESSSTARTTIME returns the session start time as a date / time.
  2. $$$SessStartTime returns the session start time as an integer, and SESSSTARTTIME returns the session start time as a date / time.
  3. $$$SessStartTime returns the session start time as a string, and SESSSTARTTIME returns the session start time as an integer.

  4. There is no difference in practice. Either can be used to return the session start time.
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Explanation

In PowerCenter, system variables prefixed with $$$ (like $$$SessStartTime) return string values, while unprefixed variables (like SESSSTARTTIME) return date/time datatypes. The string version is useful for display purposes, while the date/time version can be used in date calculations.

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