[database] Making a DateTime field in a database automatic?

I'm putting together a simple test database to learn MVC with. I want to add a DateTime field to show when the record was CREATED.

ID = int
Name = Char
DateCreated = (dateTime, DateTime2..?)

I have a feeling that this type of DateTime capture can be done automatically - but that's all I have, a feeling. Can it be done? And if so how?

While we're on the subject: if I wanted to include another field that captured the DateTime of when the record was LAST UPDATED how would I do that.

I'm hoping to not do this manually.

Many thanks

Mike

Yes, here's an example:

CREATE TABLE myTable ( col1 int, createdDate datetime DEFAULT(getdate()), updatedDate datetime DEFAULT(getdate()) )

You can INSERT into the table without indicating the createdDate and updatedDate columns:

INSERT INTO myTable (col1) VALUES (1)

Or use the keyword DEFAULT:

INSERT INTO myTable (col1, createdDate, updatedDate) VALUES (1, DEFAULT, DEFAULT)

Then create a trigger for updating the updatedDate column:

CREATE TRIGGER dbo.updateMyTable 
ON dbo.myTable
FOR UPDATE 
AS 
BEGIN 
    IF NOT UPDATE(updatedDate) 
        UPDATE dbo.myTable SET updatedDate=GETDATE() 
        WHERE col1 IN (SELECT col1 FROM inserted) 
END 
GO

Just right click on that column and select properties and write getdate()in Default value or binding.like image:

If you want do it in CodeFirst in EF you should add this attributes befor of your column definition:

[Databasegenerated(Databaseoption.computed)]

this attributes can found in System.ComponentModel.Dataannotion.Schema.

In my opinion first one is better:))