What is the function of ADD_MONTHS(date, integer)?

The function ADD_MONTHS(date, integer) is designed specifically to manipulate date values by adding a specified number of months to a given date. This function is essential for performing accurate month-based calculations, as it handles the complexities associated with varying month lengths and leap years.

For example, if you have a date of January 31 and you use ADD_MONTHS to add one month, it will correctly return February 28 (or 29 in a leap year) rather than simply rolling over to March 3, which would not consider the monthly calendar. This precision is crucial in applications involving billing cycles, contract renewals, and other date-sensitive calculations that rely on month-end dates.

The focus on month-based calculations differentiates this function from others that might deal with days or weekdays. By understanding the specific purpose of ADD_MONTHS, one can effectively utilize it in various business processes within NetSuite.