Database comparison tools for data and schemas

Q: What is the difference between Data Compare and Schema Compare?

Data Compare compares the actual data stored in tables. It finds differences between rows and values—for example, when one database has a customer record that the other doesn't, or when a value has changed. Schema Compare compares the structure of the database. It identifies differences in tables, columns, indexes, views, stored procedures, constraints, and other database objects.

Here's all you need to make data and schema comparison effortless

Bundle

dbForge

Compare Bundle for SQL Server

Keep your SQL Server and Azure SQL databases consistent across development, testing, and production environments with dbForge Compare Bundle, a set of two AI-powered tools that compare and synchronize database schemas and table data

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dbForge

Data Compare for SQL Server

Compare table data to find differences, analyze comparison results, and keep your databases in sync at all times

dbForge

Schema Compare for SQL Server

Compare database schemas to find differences, analyze comparison results, and synchronize changes with a few clicks

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dbForge

Compare Bundle for MySQL

Manage changes in data and schemas across development, testing, and production environments with our bundle of AI-powered database comparison tools, perfectly compatible with MySQL, MariaDB, and a variety of related cloud services

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dbForge

Data Compare for MySQL

Identify data differences, review comparison results, and keep your on-premises and cloud databases in sync

dbForge

Schema Compare for MySQL

Compare and synchronize database schemas with our smart and convenient database diff tool for MySQL and MariaDB

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dbForge

Compare Bundle for Oracle

Compare and synchronize on-premises and cloud Oracle databases across development, testing, and production environments with a bundle of high-performance AI-powered schema and data comparison tools

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dbForge

Data Compare for Oracle

Locate and analyze table data differences between source and target Oracle databases with a smart data comparison tool

dbForge

Schema Compare for Oracle

Compare Oracle schemas to find differences, analyze comparison results, and sync changes in a matter of moments

dbForge

Data Compare for PostgreSQL

dbForge Data Compare for PostgreSQL is a smart and intuitive tool that compares and synchronizes table data across development, testing, and production environments, presenting findings in comprehensive comparison documents and generating SQL scripts to keep your data in sync at all times

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Free

dbForge

Schema Compare for PostgreSQL

dbForge Schema Compare is a free tool that simplifies the comparison and synchronization of Amazon Redshift and PostgreSQL database structures, providing detailed comparison reports and generating SQL scripts to update your schemas across different environments

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Context-aware query generation

If you're not into manual SQL coding, you can have your queries generated in a matter of moments by the integrated dbForge AI Assistant. Just attach the required database for context, write your prompt, and the AI Assistant will instantly respond with a generated query that can be copied to the Studio's SQL Editor, modified, if necessary, and executed directly from there, all with just a couple of clicks.

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dbForge AI Assistant: Generate, fix, and optimize SQL code in no time

Context-aware query generation

Conversion of natural language to SQL

Even if you don't need any specific context, you can enter a prompt in any language and ask dbForge AI Assistant to translate it into an SQL query—and there you have it! This feature will definitely prove useful if you are still getting acquainted with SQL, or if you simply want to get even complex queries in no time. It can also help you quickly experiment with different query variations and refine them for your specific task.

Query optimization

SQL explanations

SQL troubleshooting

With dbForge AI Assistant, you can fix manually written queries of any size and complexity. Simply enter your query and ask the Assistant to check it; if there is something wrong with your query, the Assistant will pinpoint what it is and provide you with explanations and advice for improvement. Similarly, if you get an error when executing your query, the Assistant will explain what exactly went wrong and how to fix it.

AI chat

You can always have a chat with dbForge AI Assistant on any SQL-related topic. After all, it isn't called the Assistant for nothing, and it will help you out with relevant advice, best practices, and other helpful information. You can also ask questions about dbForge Studio or ask it to describe a feature or use case. Using the integrated web search, the Assistant will provide detailed, accurate answers.

Get started with the AI Assistant

How to choose the right database comparison tool

Support for on-premises and cloud databases

Besides four core database systems—SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle Database, and PostgreSQL—dbForge solutions support a wide range of cloud services.

Rich customization options

Our database comparison tools provide convenient wizards that let you fine-tune comparison and synchronization operations with maximum flexibility.

Automation of recurring operations

dbForge solutions deliver CLI-powered automation based on auto-generated scripts that can be saved to .bat files and scheduled for regular execution.

Multiple data sources

dbForge solutions allow comparing databases, backups, snapshots, scripts folders, and source control revisions. The exact options may vary by product.

Easy management of comparison results

After you run a comparison, the results are presented in a comprehensive document with highlighted differences, easy to review and analyze.

Customizable comparison reports

You can export comparison results as customizable reports, generated with a few clicks in HTML, XLS, or XML—whichever you prefer.

Demo videos

Frequently asked questions

What is a database comparison tool?

A database comparison tool is software that compares two databases to identify differences between them. For example, you might compare a development database with a production database to see whether their schemas are consistent before deploying an update.

What is the difference between Data Compare and Schema Compare?

Data Compare compares the actual data stored in tables. It finds differences between rows and values—for example, when one database has a customer record that the other doesn't, or when a value has changed. Schema Compare compares the structure of the database. It identifies differences in tables, columns, indexes, views, stored procedures, constraints, and other database objects.

How do I compare two databases for differences?

It depends on the database comparison software you are using. If the software in question is dbForge Studio, Data Compare, or Schema Compare, simply invoke the New Data Comparison or New Schema Comparison wizard from the top menu, the context menu in Database Explorer, or the Database Design tab of the Start Page. After the wizard opens, select a source and a target database and follow the instructions page by page. You will be able to configure the settings, run the comparison, and get the results in a comprehensive comparison document.

Can I compare both database data and schemas with dbForge?

Yes. Regardless of the database system you are using, dbForge Studio compares both data and schemas, dbForge Data Compare works with table data, and dbForge Schema Compare works with database schemas.

What is a database diff tool used for?

A database diff tool is used to compare two databases and identify the differences between them. Depending on the tool, it can compare schemas (tables, columns, indexes, views, stored procedures, constraints, and other database objects), data (rows and values stored in tables), and database versions (e.g., development vs. testing or testing vs. production). Once differences are identified, a database diff tool can generate and run synchronization scripts to make both databases identical.

Can dbForge generate database synchronization scripts?

Yes, dbForge tools automatically generate database synchronization scripts that can be reviewed, saved for later, or executed against the required target database.

Can I compare development, staging, and production databases?

Sure, you can do it easily with dbForge. Just pick a suitable data and/or schema comparison tool for your database management system, connect to your instances, and select the corresponding databases in the comparison wizard.

Can database comparison tasks be automated?

Yes, you can use the command line to automate database comparison and synchronization, as well as the generation of comparison reports.

How can dbForge AI Assistant help with database comparison?

dbForge AI Assistant is the ultimate copilot for SQL development and consultations on everything related to databases. You can use it to analyze SQL code, review synchronization scripts, and work with database changes.