EMS DB Comparer for SQL Server vs. Alternatives: Which One to Choose?

EMS DB Comparer for SQL Server — Complete Comparison Tool OverviewEMS DB Comparer for SQL Server is a specialized utility designed to compare and synchronize Microsoft SQL Server database schemas and data. Whether you’re a database administrator, developer, or part of a DevOps team, this tool aims to simplify the often error-prone tasks of identifying differences between databases and applying consistent updates. This article provides a comprehensive overview of EMS DB Comparer’s capabilities, typical workflows, practical use cases, strengths and limitations, and tips for effective use.

What EMS DB Comparer Does

EMS DB Comparer performs two primary functions:

• Schema comparison and synchronization — detects differences in database objects (tables, views, procedures, functions, triggers, constraints, indexes, etc.) and generates synchronization scripts to align schemas.
• Data comparison and synchronization — identifies row-level differences between tables and generates SQL scripts to insert, update, or delete rows to synchronize data.

The tool supports multiple SQL Server versions, offers visual comparison results, and provides options for selective synchronization and script customization.

Key Features

• Object-level comparison for tables, views, stored procedures, functions, triggers, indexes, and constraints.
• Detailed object property comparison (columns, data types, nullability, defaults, indexes, keys).
• Table data comparison with options to compare by primary key or custom key.
• Visual side-by-side comparison grid with color-coded differences.
• Automated generation of synchronization scripts with preview and execution options.
• Command-line support for integration into CI/CD pipelines and automation scripts.
• Filtering and comparison options to include or exclude specific objects or schemas.
• Support for SQL Server authentication and Windows authentication.
• Backup and restore recommendations before applying synchronization scripts.
• Option to save and load comparison projects for repeated use.

Typical Workflows

1. Select source and target SQL Server instances and databases (local or remote).
2. Configure comparison options: schema only, data only, or both; choose object types and filtering rules.
3. Run comparison to generate a detailed report showing differences.
4. Review differences in the visual grid; drill down into object definitions and data row changes.
5. Generate synchronization script; optionally edit or customize the script.
6. Execute the script against the target database or save it for deployment through other processes.
7. Re-run comparison to verify that synchronization succeeded.

Use Cases

• Migrating schema changes from development to staging or production.
• Verifying that a replicated or standby database matches the primary.
• Auditing changes between environments to track unauthorized modifications.
• Merging database changes from multiple development branches.
• Regularly synchronizing reference or lookup data across environments.

Strengths

• Intuitive visual interface that highlights differences clearly.
• Combines schema and data comparison in one tool, reducing context switching.
• Script generation allows for controlled deployments and approvals.
• Command-line support enables automation and CI/CD integration.
• Support for detailed filtering reduces noise and focuses comparisons.

Limitations & Considerations

• Large databases with many objects or huge tables can produce large comparison reports and scripts; performance and memory usage may be a concern.
• Complex dependencies (cross-database references, CLR objects, advanced replication setups) may require manual review beyond automated scripts.
• Careful testing and backups are essential before applying generated scripts in production.
• Licensing costs and version compatibility should be evaluated for enterprise environments.

Best Practices

• Always backup target databases before applying synchronization scripts.
• Use comparison filters to limit scope to changed objects during development deployments.
• Validate generated scripts in a staging environment before production execution.
• Integrate command-line comparisons into CI pipelines to detect drift early.
• Combine schema comparison with source control for database objects to maintain an audit trail.

Alternatives

Popular alternatives to consider include Redgate SQL Compare/SQL Data Compare, dbForge Compare for SQL Server, ApexSQL Diff/Data Diff, and native SQL Server tools combined with custom scripts. Choice depends on budget, required features, and workflow integration.

Conclusion

EMS DB Comparer for SQL Server is a focused, practical tool for identifying and synchronizing differences between SQL Server databases at both the schema and data levels. Its visual interface, script generation, and automation capabilities make it suitable for DBAs and development teams seeking to reduce errors in database deployments. While it handles many common scenarios well, complex environments still require careful review and testing when applying changes it generates.