Syncronize two databases schema in MySQL

Question

I was looking for a portable script or command line program that can syncronize two MySQL databases schema. I am not looking for a GUI based solution because that can't be automated or run with the buid/deployment tool.

Basically what it should do is scan database1 and database2. Check the schema difference (tables and indexes) and propose a bunch of SQL statements to run on one so that it gets the similiar structure of the other minimizing data damage as much as possible.

If someone can indicate a PHP, Python or Ruby package where this type of solution is implemented, I can try to copy the code from there.

A lot of MySQL GUI tools probably can do this, but I am looking for a scriptable solution.

Edit: Sorry for not being more clear: What I am looking for is syncronization in table structure while keeping data intact as far as possible. Not data replication.

More info:

Why replication woun't work. 1. The installation bases are spread around the state. 2. We want the installer to perform dynamic fixes on the DB based on chagnes made in the latest version, regardless of what older version the end user might be using. 3. Changes are mostly like adding new column to a tables, creating new indexes, or dropping indexes, adding tables or dropping tables used by the system internally (we don't drop user data table).

If it's a GUI: No it can't be used. We don't want to bunddle a 20MB app with our installer just for DB diff. Specially when the original installer is less than 1 MB.

Answer 1

Have you considered using MySQL replication ?

Answer 2

Did you check Nobhill's DB Tools ?

I think Randolf will be the best for you.

Answer 3

For a long-term, professional solution, you should keep an eye on Schemamatic (http://versabanq.com/products/schemamatic.php). This link shows a GUI app but all it does is manipulate a command-line software. In this page there is link to its google code site where the C# .Net version of Schemamatic can be found. Your perfect solution would be to add support for MySQL to Schemamatic. For SQL Server, it's perfect and does exactly what you mentioned.

Now, for a short-term solution I would suggest dumping the data you want with MySQL's command-line tools like: mysqldump -A -c -uroot -ppassword >bkpmysql.sql

And play with it, although it should take quite some time to achieve what you want. Schemamatic really seems to me your best choice. Let me know if you need any clarification when/if trying Schemamatic.

Answer 4

You might want to look at some tools such as dbdeploy (this is a java or a .net version) and liquidbase and others.

Although most of these I think will apply sets of changes to a DB in a controlled manner. Don't know if they can reverse engineer from existing schemas and compare.

E.

Answer 5

SQLyog does that and it is awesome. We use it in production often.