Peter's Gekko

public Blog MyNotepad : Imho { }

A new version of the Red-Gate SQL tools

Red Gate has a lovely suite of tools to work with SQL databases. Their bundle has a SQL compare tools to compare the structure of a database as well as the content. The tools not only show the differences but also generate sql scripts to update structure or content. Previously I blogged on my experiences with SQL compare. A search for Red-Gate on CB will show that many of us have good experiences. The tools have really saved us loads and loads of work. The previous version works pretty well with SQL 2005. And now there is a whole new version out: SQL bundle 5.

The first thing which meets the eye is the completely revised UI. The former was the only point which could use some polishing. Their new one is great:

It still does have its idiosyncrasies. FI the way to close the interactive help is different but intuitive. But the amount and overview of the information is overwhelming and really pleases my widescreen.

Download the trial at your own risk, it's addicting software :)

Published Apr 05 2006, 11:53 AM by pvanooijen

Filed under: Data

Comments

Jordan said:

Hey Peter, do you have any experience using this to sync data between remote systems and, say, a central server?

We have a dozen or so MSDE clients and a homebrew solution to sync the data up to the central server. I've had my eye on Red Gate for awhile as a possible way to push up incremental updates...

Cheers,

Jordan.

# April 5, 2006 12:12 PM

pvanooijen said:

The tools are very good for doing design and deployment time stuff and are pretty specific for sql server. In you scenario I would take a closer look at DTS. Red-Gate has tools for those as well. Havn't worked with them yet.

# April 7, 2006 3:02 AM

Daniel Alba said:

Red-Gate's tool is certainly a very good tool. But as a developer of a competing tool - I have an honest question - do you find that you really do use the tool for the synch script capability or is it more important to quickly and easily get a good view of the differences? Many shops maintain individual scripts in source control for each object and prefer to make their changes by hand. Our tool - SQL Effects Clarity (http://www.sqleffects.com) focuses on the best possible graphical and interactive view of the schema differences.

What are your thoughts on the subject?

Regards,

Daniel Alba

# May 18, 2006 4:30 AM

pvanooijen said:

Daniel, I do use the tool to generate real life synchronization scripts. The good thing is that is does see all those pesky differences like a columns length going form 10 to 12. And it also sees all the "big" things like PK's and FK's.

The scripts all ran quite succesfully. In test and in production. They look better than what I can code by hand.

So the tool does live up to its promisses.

# May 18, 2006 4:47 AM

Name (required)

Your URL (optional)

Comments (required)

Remember Me?