In the world of SQL, mistakes can be costly and difficult to rectify. That’s why it’s important for database developers to have a dedicated environment where they can work independently and safely. In this article, we will discuss how to build a dedicated database development workflow using SQL Source Control.
Database Development Models
There are two common approaches for teams to develop databases: dedicated and shared. In the dedicated model, each developer works with their own copy of the database, making changes independently and committing them to a source control system. This allows developers to work in their own “sandbox” environment without the risk of overwriting someone else’s changes. On the other hand, in the shared model, developers work directly on a single copy of the database, which can lead to conflicts and delays.
Setting up SQL Source Control for Dedicated Development
To implement a dedicated database development workflow, we can use a tool called dbForge Source Control for SQL Server. Here are the steps to set it up:
- Install dbForge Source Control for SQL Server by downloading and installing the tool.
- Create a version control repository using your preferred source control system (e.g., SVN, GIT, Mercurial, TFS).
- Link a database to the source control by creating a new database in SSMS and using the Source Control Tasks shortcut menu to connect it to the repository.
- Get the latest changes from the repository by selecting the required checkboxes and clicking “Get Latest”.
Once the setup is complete, you will have a dedicated development environment where you can work independently and safely.
Working with Changes
Assume that someone from your team has made changes to an object in their local sandbox and committed them to the repository. To get the update, simply refresh the source control tool. It will detect the remote modifications and provide you with a list of all changes. You can review the changes and apply them to your local copy of the database if necessary.
By using dbForge Source Control for SQL Server, managing database changes becomes simple and efficient. With a dedicated development model, you can avoid conflicts and ensure the stability of your project.
While the shared development model may be more common, it comes with the risk of code conflicts and project delays. That’s why most developers would likely choose the dedicated model for their database development workflow.
In conclusion, building a dedicated database development workflow with SQL Source Control can greatly improve the efficiency and reliability of your SQL Server projects. By working in separate environments and using a robust source control system, you can minimize the risk of conflicts and ensure the smooth execution of your database development tasks.