SSMS vs. TableDiff: Choosing the Right Free Tool for SQL Server Database Comparison

Several free options can help you compare SQL Server databases:

Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS):

This free tool comes bundled with most SQL Server installations. It includes a built-in Schema Compare feature that allows you to visually compare the structure of two databases (schemas). While it doesn't directly compare data, it can show you if there are differences in table definitions, columns, constraints, etc.

Example:

1. Open SSMS and connect to both databases you want to compare.
2. Right-click on one of the databases, select Tasks, then Schema Compare.
3. Choose the other database as the "Target" database.
4. Click "Compare" to see a side-by-side comparison of the schemas.

Microsoft SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) - TableDiff Utility:

This tool is only available if you have Visual Studio Community Edition installed. While not entirely free (Visual Studio Community Edition requires registration), it's worth considering if you already have it or plan to use it for other development purposes. TableDiff allows you to compare both schema and data between two tables (not entire databases) and even generate scripts to synchronize them.

1. Open Visual Studio and create a new SQL Server Database Project.
2. Right-click on the project, select Add, then Existing Item.
3. Navigate to and select the TableDiff.exe file located in the \150_Tools\Bin\SchemaCompare folder (path may vary based on your installation).
4. Double-click on TableDiff.exe, set the connection details for both databases and tables, and compare them.

Third-party Open Source Tools:

There are various open-source tools available online, but they may require some technical knowledge to set up and use. Always be cautious when downloading and installing software from third-party sources.

Related Issues and Solutions:

• Limited functionality: Free tools might not offer all the features of paid tools, such as advanced filtering, scripting options, or data synchronization capabilities.
• Learning curve: Depending on the tool, there might be a learning curve, especially for beginners unfamiliar with SQL Server or the specific tool's interface.