Database Deployment: Synchronizing Database Structures

By: Eugene Akinshin

Developing and deploying a new database is never easy. Manually synchronizing new revisions of database structures with an already running system can become a nightmare. If your assignment includes modifications to the structure of an existing database, your options of performing the task without disrupting the workflow are limited. Read this article and learn about the tools you'll need to synchronize database structures much easier than ever before.

The Obvious Way

The simplest and most obvious way of synchronizing two databases would be by deleting the old database and creating new structures on top of it. If you back up the data before deleting the old database, and restore it from the backup after you're finished updating the structures, you might just get away with it. However, this approach is unacceptable in many environments as it disrupts the workflow and does not provide reasonable security.

The Cheap Way

Coding a set of SQL statements and running the script on the client side is a better idea, but still has many weaknesses as it consumes a developer's time on routine operations, and opens the possibility for errors. If you are upgrading a database to a new version, you'd have to apply all intermediate patches, introducing a lot more possibilities for something to go wrong.

The Easy Way

Thinking logically, one can purchase a specialized synchronization tool, install it on the developer side as well as distribute it among the customers. This does allow a certain time-saving, but the method is costly and often requires paying for client-side licenses.

The Right Way

If you don't want to code all of the updates manually, and don't want to distribute third-party software to perform updates with your application, consider implementing the necessary update functionality into your own application. The built-in functionality will handle structural updates and database upgrades directly from within your application.

Database Restyle - Library by Perpetuum Software LLC (http://www.perpetuumsoft.com) automates the complex process of database synchronization as much as possible without the drawbacks associated with most third-party solutions. Database Restyle builds directly into your application, eliminating the need to run external applications or distribute separate solutions to your customers.

Database Restyle performs the most complex updates of database structures, allowing both fully-automated and manually-controlled operation. Database Restyle can be used in a wide variety of cases. It can sync the two databases, but it is not limited to just that. Database Restyle works with other entities beside databases, such as business objects, and supports the Linq To Sql model.

An intuitive visual environment allows Database Restyle to take snapshots of database structures, as well as analyze, compare and synchronize databases. Running Database Restyle as a wizard allows database developers and administrators to solve typical tasks without coding by simply clicking the mouse. Full command line support allows you to take snapshots and update databases from the command line.

Database Restyle - Library builds directly into your application, releasing you from any obligations and concerns about the code. Using Database Restyle does not require any additional licensing fees, allowing you to save on client licenses.

Handle database synchronization and updates in the right way. The free evaluation version of Database Restyle - Library is available at the Downloads section.

Article Source: http://www.newarticledaily.com

Eugene Akinshin is engaged in professional development for 10 years. At the moment he is a Chief Technical Evangelist for Perpetuum Software LLC (www.perpetuumsoft.com), a company that designs and markets professional software components for .Net developers.

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