Comparing database schemas is the first step in the database comparison process, and it can be accomplished with the help of feature-rich dbForge Studio for SQL Server. You can benefit from the tool's functionality when you need to:
With the Schema Comparison wizard, you can compare database schemas, backups, database snapshots, script folders, and database schemas stored in source control.
In the wizard, you choose source and target, customize the process by setting up the required options. For further process automation, your settings can be saved to a file that will be used in the command-line interface.
To prevent any confusion between source and target instances, you may use the Categories feature.
When the comparison process is complete, the results stating objects, object status, and operation are displayed in the grid. Click the necessary object to get a detailed view of it in the text comparer below.
To save results for further analysis or distribute them, you can generate a comparison report in HTML, Excel, or XML format.
The Schema Comparison document is a file with a .scomp extension that contains schema comparison results. You can manage the results in different ways and save the document for future use. For instance, you can later load command-line settings using the comparison .scomp project file. The Comparison Document allows you to:
The Object Filter feature enables you to:
A handy wizard allows you to create and export the results of the comparison in the form of a report. The comparison report contains essential information, including Source and Target details as well as the summary of the schema comparison in a convenient form of the list. The report is easily customizable, and you can exclude and include objects, add warnings, and append timestamps to the report file. You can choose from three file formats to create a report that suits your needs best:
The schema comparison feature within dbForge Studio for SQL Server allows comparing and synchronizing source control versions of your database. The tool enables you to define a source control version either as a target or as a source as well as to create a new SQL source control version.
All you need to do is to specify the necessary database version and select from a list of source control systems, such as Team Foundation Server (TFS), Subversion (SVN), SourceGear Vault, Git, Perforce, Mercurial, and others the one you are working with.
As soon as you have selected the objects you need to synchronize, just call the Synchronization wizard.
In the wizard, you can customize the process by setting output and synchronization options. After synchronization, you get a comprehensive script to apply updates and changes to your databases.
Using the Schema Synchronization Wizard, you can generate an update script to synchronize your database schemas. You will be able to:
The Schema Comparison feature is an integral part of the Continuous Integration (CI) process as it greatly facilitates database development and deployment. Depending on the chosen database development model, you can apply it in either a state-based or a migration-based approach. Use the schema comparison feature to:
The command-line interface allows scheduling comparison and synchronization without actually participating in the process. The options saved from the wizard can be used for customization. Make use of the following automation capabilities:
Schema Comparison feature, together with other functional capabilities of dbForge Studio for SQL Server, makes your database development and deployment seamless and stable. It empowers you to quickly introduce changes to your database schema, deliver updates, and ensure the process is completely error-free. The automation of synchronizations allows you to set up a reliable schedule that never fails to work by itself.