Is There An Open Source Sql Server Db Compare Tool?

I'm working on an open source project that uses SQL Server 2005 as the data store. We need a DB compare tool to generate diff scripts to be able to upgrade a DB from one version to

Solution 1:

On CodePlex I noticed yesterday DbDiff (http://www.codeplex.com/OpenDBiff) that you could try. Supports Sql2005 and 2008, I did not try it.

Solution 2:

I'd recommend spending some cash and getting Red Gate's SQL Compare tool which does an excellent job, and can even compare databases to Visual Studio database projects to generate upgrade scripts. It's fast and easy to use, and works well. The upgrade scripts are also of decent quality.

It's not that expensive. Probably less expensive than your time. Just think about how much your hourly rate is, and how many hours it might take to investigate an open-source tool and get it working (and how many you have already spent), then multiply them together. That's how much a 'free' tool is really costing you, which is often significantly more than a commercial tool.

Solution 3:

It's not open source, but is free (as in beer): Sql Effects Accord (aka Clarity) Community Edition

Solution 4:

AdeptSQL Diff and DataDiff are wonderful products, much cheaper than RedGate's and a much more simplified UI, and I have yet to run into a scenario it cannot handle.

Solution 5:

Aloha

You might want to try SqlDbDiff. It can generate change scripts. The free edition does a good enough job.