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Evgeniy Gribkov
Evgeniy Gribkov

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The best way to synchronize (one way) a table in SQL Server

To synchronize two tables, you can use either built-in tools like SSIS or third-party ones.
You can learn about synchronizing table data one-way via SSIS by referring to this link:

Fig.1 Table data one-way synchronization package

You can also synchronize two tables with the help of a third-party tool called dbForge Data Compare that integrates with SSMS:

Fig.2 Comparing table data in SSMS

Before the comparison process starts, you can configure the source and target servers and databases:

Fig.3 Setting up the source and the target

Column mapping can be set for the table:

Fig.4 Column mapping

“Columns details” displays column definition information from two tables: source database on the left and target database on the right.
Column mapping is particularly useful when column names are different in the source and the target.

As a result, we can see data differences:

Fig.5 Data differences

Column visibility and sorting can also be configured:

Fig.6 Column visibility and sorting settings

You can generate a script or perform data synchronization after finding the differences.
Keep in mind that it’s important to make sure table definitions match before comparing or synchronizing data between two tables. This can be done with the help of standard methods, like Visual Studio or SSDT, or via 3rd-party tools.

To do this, you need to create a new SQL Server Database project as follows:

Fig.7 Creating a new SQL Server Database project

Next, you’ll need to import the database:

Fig.8 Opening the database import window

In the window that will be opened, you need to configure a connection to the necessary database and then press Start to initiate the import process:

Fig.9 Configuring and  starting the database import process

After this, you will be able to see folders, subfolders, and definitions of database objects in the project:

Fig.10 Project after import

In the same way, you will need to create a project and perform import for the second database.

Now, to compare the database schemas, you just need to right-click any of the two projects and then click Schema Compare… in the context menu:

Fig.11 Navigating to the database schema comparison window

As a result, a database schema comparison window will be opened.
Here you need to select source and target projects and press Compare to start the comparison process:

Fig.12 Database schema comparison window

Also, you can use other tools for database comparison, such as dbForge Schema Compare, which integrates with SSMS:

Fig.13 Comparing database schemas in SSMS

You can configure the source and target for schema comparison:

Fig.14 Configuring the source and target for schema comparison<br>

You can also set table mapping in the corresponding tab:

Fig.15 Selecting a table for mapping

Fig.16 Configuring field mapping in the table

“Columns details” displays column definition information from two tables: source database on the left and target database on the right.

This is particularly useful when column names are different in the source and the target.

After schemas are compared, you can select the necessary table and see the table definition differences in two databases:

Fig.17 Table schema comparison between two databases

At the bottom left, the definition code of the source database table is displayed, and that of the target database is displayed at the bottom right.

If needed, a synchronization script for any schema table can be generated.

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