# UtcNow ()

| **Name**    | ***UtcNow***                              |
| ----------- | ----------------------------------------- |
| Syntax      | UtcNow ()                                 |
| Purpose     | To get current UTC system date and time.  |
| Description | Returns current UTC system date and time. |
| Return Type | Date Time                                 |
| Parameter   | -                                         |

![](/files/k62uI6aZJBAjj9fDlcnt)

**Example**

In this example, we will drag-and-drop the *UtcNow* function transformation object to the *dataflow designer* window.

![](/files/KitKUH7PbZmPhcZ2sVeW)

Right-click on the function transformation object and select *Preview Output.* You can see that Astera Data Stack has returned the current UTC system date and time value.

![](/files/lf4VaMKfejsHUiqBNO8o)


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