Link a database to TFVC

This topic describes how to link a database to Team Foundation Version Control (TFVC).

To link a database to TFVC:

1. In Database Explorer, right-click the database you want to link and select Source Control > Link Database to Source Control.

Alternatively, on the top menu, select Database > Link Database to Source Control.

2. In the Link Database to Source Control dialog, click Create New Repository Create New Repository in the Source control repository field.

Note

By default, dbForge Studio automatically selects the repository that was previously linked.

3. In the Source Control Repository Properties dialog, enter the required repository settings:

  • Set Source control system to Team Foundation Version Control (TFVC).
  • Enter the Server URL.
  • Choose the Authentication type.
  • Based on the selected authentication type, provide the User name and Password, or Token.

Note

The default authentication type is Azure DevOps Server (formerly TFS) Windows, which uses Windows authentication.

  • In the Database folder field, click the ellipsis (…) and choose the folder to store SQL scripts.

Note

The database folder must already exist on the server. If it doesn’t, the connection will fail.

For instructions, see How to resolve the TFVC issue - No folder on the repository.

  • By default, the selected folder name is used as the repository name. To specify a different name, enter it manually.

Configure the repository settings

4. Optional: To verify the repository settings, click Test.

5. To save the settings and close the dialog, click OK.

6. Choose a database development model:

  • Shared – Developers collaborate on a single shared database.
  • Dedicated – Each developer works on a local copy of the database.

7. To connect the database to the repository, click Link.

Connect the database to the repository

The Refresh window opens and displays the progress of the refresh operation.

After the database is linked, it appears in Database Explorer with the source control icon:

Linked database in Database Explorer

Note

If you receive the Cannot find local client for TFVC error, install the Team Foundation Server Object Model:

  • For TFVC2013
  • For TFVC2010

Set up version control after linking

After linking the database, your next step depends on whether the repository is new or already in use by your team:

  • If this is the first time the database is linked:

In the Local changes section of the Source Control Manager, select the objects you want to add to version control, then click Commit.

For instructions, see Commit changes.

  • If the database is already under source control:

In the Remote changes section, select the objects you want to retrieve, then click Get Latest.

Note

The Get Latest option is available only in the dedicated development model.

For instructions, see Get the latest version.