Migrating a SQL Server test database from development to test environment with a script?

Question

I'm doing a lot of development with a weekly demo to client. I have a development environment and a test environment.

Every week I have to backup the database on development and then use remote desktop to restore it on the test server.

I've tried using MSdeploy to move the database but haven't been able to get the dropDestinationDatabase switch working. See dropDestinationDatabase option on Web Deployment Commandline Tool

Does anyone know a good, simple technique to use here?

Answer 1

Red Gate's Sql Source Control allows you to automate promotes and connect your database to SVN.

I've not done it myself but I reckon that if the database is in svn then you could hook in a Team City build trigger to not only automate sql changes but monitor them in the same place as code changes.

Answer 2

RedGate Tools (SQL Compare, SQL Data Compare)

If you are using Visual Studio 2008 onwards, the GDR R2 database project is also a good solution.