How to compare database schemas in SSMS

dbForge Schema Compare comes with a free add-in for SQL Server Management Studio that lets you compare and synchronize databases (including versions from source control) right from the SSMS Object Explorer.

The Schema Compare add-in is bundled with the standalone Schema Compare application. When you run the installer of the tool, make sure the necessary checkbox to install the add-in is selected.

Install add-in

Compare databases

To compare two databases in SSMS:

1. In Object Explorer, right-click the database you want to compare and select Schema Compare > Set as Source:

Set as a source

Note

Select Recent Files to restore a previously saved comparison project file with the .scomp extension. The .scomp file contains all the schema comparison and deployment settings configured earlier.

The dbForge Schema Compare tab appears displaying the database you selected as the source in the left pane.

Add-in-tab

2. To select the target database, use either of the following options:

  • In Object Explorer, right-click the database and select Schema Compare > Set as Target.
  • Drag the database from Object Explorer and drop it to the Target section of the tab.

To swap the source and target databases, click Swap databases Swap Source and Target settings.

3. To start the comparison, click Start comparison button Start comparison.

4. In the New Schema Comparison window that opens, do the following and then click Compare:

Set comparison options

Compare scripts folders

Schema Compare allows you to compare and synchronize scripts folders.

To set a scripts folder as the Source or the Target:

1. On the dbForge Schema Compare tab, select Scripts Folder as a type of a source or target for database comparison.

Scripts folder as a type

2. Under Database scripts folder, click < Browse > to specify a path to the scripts folder you want to add to the comparison.

3. To start the comparison, click Start comparison button Start comparison.

Schema Compare opens the New Schema Comparison window where you can set up schema comparison for your project.

For more information about how to adjust settings for schema comparison, see Configure comparison options.

Compare source control revisions

The Schema Compare SQL Server Management Studio add-in enables you to compare and synchronize source control revisions of databases.

To set a revision from source control as the Source or the Target:

1. On the dbForge Schema Compare tab, select Source Control as a type of a source or target for database comparison.

Select source control

2. In the Repository box, select a database linked to Source Control or click < Manage > to specify a repository URL.

3. In the Revision box, select a specific revision from the source control history or select the latest revision.

4. To start the comparison, click Start comparison button Start comparison.

5. In the New Schema Comparison window that opens, configure the comparison options and then click Compare.

Set comparison options

For more information about how to adjust settings for schema comparison, see Configure comparison options.

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