Can SQL Server synchronise a live database and a create script to make an update script?

Question

We are currently updating our SQL Server database create and update scripts by hand, and I'm looking for a better way.

I've worked extensively with MySQL Workbench before, and it has functionality to update a database creation script to match a live database, and in the process also produce an update script.

Is there similar functionality available in SQL Server? If so, can you please provide references to it?

Answer 1

If you're using Visual Studio, the answer is SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT). It comes with SQL Schema Compare functionality. Check it out here: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/data/tools.aspx

SSDT can also do a lot of other stuff, like automated database testing, automated build and deployment of databases, etc.

There are also 3rd party alternatives, such as Red Gate's SQL Compare: http://www.red-gate.com/products/sql-development/sql-compare/