Data and Schema Comparison Tools for MS SQL Server Databases (Part 2)

You can find Part 1 here.

With the rise of MS SQL Server usage, the need for reliable tools for database data and schema synchronization is also strengthening.

In our previous articles, we reviewed the Schema Compare for SQL Server tool, which allows comparing and synchronizing SQL Server database schemas quickly and seamlessly and the dbForge Data Compare for SQL Server tool, which helps compare SQL database data.

In this article, we aim to provide an example of using similar database compare tools developed by Redgate. Redgate is one of the leading providers of software for database development and administration and DBMS (database management systems). As in the previous reviews, we will take an SRV database as an example. It can be downloaded here.

Synchronizing Database Schemas Using SQL Compare Tool

The SQL Compare tool from Redgate is supplied as a separate utility. Therefore, after installing it, you just need to open a new application and on the Data sources tab and select database synchronization on both sides:

In this tool, as in those that were reviewed earlier, the source is on the left and the target is on the right.

Next, you need to fill in the required fields as shown in the picture below.

On the Table mapping tab, the mapping tables are displayed.

Clicking the Full option for the required table allows checking and changing column mapping of a selected table if necessary.

On the Owner mapping tab, you can configure schema mapping.

On the Options tab, you can check and configure the advanced settings for database schema comparison.

Now you need to click the Compare now button at the bottom of the window (see the picture above). At the end of the process, you need to click OK button (see the picture below).

Next, a window displaying a list of differences will appear. At the bottom of the window, you can find a code defining a selected object. The differences will be highlighted.

Now you need to check off the objects required for synchronization and click the Deploy button as shown in the picture below.

After that, the settings window for database schema synchronization will appear. On the Deployment method tab, you can select the method of schema synchronization. Then click the Next button.

In this way, we will get a ready-made script for schema synchronization between the selected databases, which can be applied to the required databases.

Synchronizing Database Data Using the SQL Data Compare Tool

The SQL Data Compare tool is supplied as a separate utility. Therefore, after installing it, you just need to open a new application and on the Data sources tab, select database synchronization on both sides:

In this tool, as in those that were reviewed in our previous articles, the source is on the left and the target is on the right.

Next, you need to fill in the required fields as shown in the picture below.

On the Table & views tab, the mapping tables and views are displayed.

In this window, you can also click the ‘x columns’ option for the required table or view to check and change the column mapping of a selected table or view if needed.

On the Owner mapping tab, you can configure schema mapping for database objects.

On the Options tab, you can view and configure the advanced settings for database data comparison.

Now you need to click the Compare now button to start the process of comparing database data. At the end of the process, you need to click the blue OK button as shown in the picture below.

In the end, a window displaying a list of differences will appear. At the bottom of the window, you can find the differences for a selected table or view. The differences will be highlighted.

As for the previous tool, you need to check off the required objects for synchronization and click the Deploy button as shown in the picture below.

The window with settings for database data synchronization will appear after that.

On the Deployment method tab, you can select a method of data synchronization. Then, click the Next button.

In this way, we will get a ready-made script for data synchronization between the selected databases, which can be applied to the required databases.

Price Comparison With Similar Products

Conclusion

The popular software products SQL Compare and SQL Data Compare for synchronizing database schemas and data were considered. 

In the results of the review, we come to the conclusion that SQL Compare and SQL Data Compare products from Redgate comprise a great choice in functionality, but their price is also the highest out of the products analyzed.