Database schema comparing automation.

Question

Hello,

Could you, please, specify whether it is possible to automate Schema Compare tool in DBPro somehow?

I am asking it because currently third-party tool is used in our build environment in order to compare two live databases and produce synchronization SQL script. This tool is executed from command prompt with appropriate options and works fine with Microsoft SQL Server 2000 (execution from command prompt is used in order to automate this process by means of task scheduler).

In next release of our product we are going to migrate to Microsoft SQL Server 2005 and unfortunately that third-party tool is unable to operate with it (company which is responsible for that third-party tool is not going to develop new version for Microsoft SQL Server 2005).

That's why we have to search for replacement.
Using native Microsoft product sounds good, but looks like we will be unable to automate the process in this case. Am I right?

Answer 1

What kid of automation are you looking for? there is  'build/deploy' automation but do you want to automate the 'checkin'?

 

Answer 2

We want to compare two databases, create synchronization SQL-script and pack it into patch installer.

Currently synchronization script is created automatically using command-line third-party tool in our build environment. But we are not able to use the same process for MS SQL 2005 because of reasons mentioned in my original message.

Answer 3

I spent a little time today looking for this and could not find anything out of the box that would do this.

 

Maybe One of the MSFT guys has something.

 

But as far as i got was maybe adding a MSBuild Customization. or calling the code directly by building an assembly. but either one looks like a more involved process than click and go....

 

If you can get the schema as a file then you can use the tools here http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/vstudio/aa718351.aspx  to check it in and be able to execute ths as part of a process.

 

Maybe it will we be part of the next version.

 

As another note can you change your process a little? Lets think about this since each dev can have his her own version of the db it can be checked in like any other code. Builds/versions can be preformed as part of the check in instead of the Nightly Automation.

 

anyway best of luck....

 

cra451

  

 

 

 

 

Answer 4

We will make a Schema and Data Compare MSBuild task available as part of the PowerTools for VSDBPro.

-GertD

Answer 5

GertD

 

That would be great. You and your teams hard work is appreceated.

 

cra451