INT or TIMESTAMP for the change time column in a logging table?

We're having an argument over what to use for storing change date in a new log table for our site.

One side says, use INT for the timestamp, storing the UNIX timestamp. We can convert the datetime query in PHP to a UNIX integer and query based on that (WHERE log_date BETWEEN [convert 12/25/2012 to timestamp] AND [convert 12/31/2012 to timestamp]).

The other side says, use TIMESTAMP for this; we can then use the native tools to query. (WHERE log_date BETWEEN "2012-12-25" AND "2012-12-31").

Since this is a logging table, we're not concerned about the 1970-2038 range of TIMESTAMP.

Which makes more sense?

I have done it both ways. I prefer using TIMESTAMP because it makes adhoc queries easier. If you only use a GUI to query the logs, then use whatever that programmer wants.

This one boils down to a style question because there isn't much difference in the functionality or performance.

ed

StackExchange Database Administrators Q#46440, answer score: 3