Merge two databases in SQL Server

Question

I have some databases on an instance used for reporting. I want to merge them into one. There are many cross-database dependencies in the stored procedures (e.g. an SP can use tables from different databases). Besides there are some SSIS packages that point to the different databases when they load data.

I think people who created the databases thought the a database is a folder and they made thier own system (e.g. "let us put these tables in a new database"). All objects are in the dbo schema and the names do not collude. I don't see any benefit of having multiple DBs. But many benefits of having one. E.g. I cannot create indexed views and objects from different databases are involved. I have to monitor the SPs from different databses, etc.

Is there any smart way of mergin the databases, or does everything have to be done manually? Is there a tool, e.g. on Redgate? So everything is on the same instance... Just some tips... Thanks.

Answer 1

I've always found SQL Examiner to be a great tool that's super easy to use when synchronizing one database from another.

Since you said the names don't collide between entities, then SQL Examiner will basically create all the entities (which you get to choose, e.g. you can exclude all procedures, or hand pick which views, etc) in the destination database from the source database.

It also has features such as showing you the scripts it generates before executing them, creating backups before making changes, and is just an overall good "comparison" tool for both schema and data differences between two databases.

They give you a 30 day full featured free trial, so you can test it out for a while first before deciding to buy.

Additionally you can check out ApexSQL's SQL Compare.

Answer 2

You can also generate a dacpac from one of them and the generate script of differences with the second one.

https://docs.microsoft.com/it-it/sql/tools/sqlpackage/sqlpackage?redirectedfrom=MSDN&view=sql-server-ver15

It is not as easy as a tool but it is free.

There is also Redgate SQL Compare:

https://www.red-gate.com/products/sql-development/sql-compare/