Development --> Production server(scripts for change in table structure)

Question

Whenever i move the changes from development to production server. I Drop scripts for stored procedures, functions. Then generate new scripts for stored procedures, functions. But for new tables creation, i only create scripts. But for change in the table structure, i make a note of change in the fields(if they are less), OR create a alter script and keep everything ready.

Whenever i move from development to prodction, on one go i execute all the scripts.

But this time, i have not created the scripts for change in table structure. It is a tedious job, to make a track of change in the structures for all the tables. Make these changes in production.

Any suggestions or new procedures?

Answer 1

Yes. Use Redgate SQL Compare to generate your scripts. It's not free but pays for itself in saved time easily.

If you can't justify the cost (maybe this is just an occasional need?) A free way of just reminding yourself of what changed might be to script out both database definitions then do a compare in winmerge to see the differences.