Exposing SQL Server database objects as files in a file system

Question

There\'s more than one file system

Most version control tools operate on the local disk file system.

Database objects for most relational database systems

Answer 1

Over the last six months or so I have been developing a tool called ShiftSchema that I think is relevant to your question.

ShiftSchema uses database triggers to synchronize SQL Server 2005 and 2008 database objects with files on disk that are suitable for storing in a version control system. It also monitors the filesystem for changes (when you update from the repository and get schema changes committed by another developer) and will push those changes into your personal development database.

It does support synchronizing data but that feature is really aimed at small amounts of data such as look up tables.

It also has a facility for comparing two databases (either in the RDBMS or on disk) and generating a DDL script to synchronize them.

ShiftSchema is intended to be used in a development environment where each developer has their own personal development database.

If you're interested, the website link in my profile points to the ShiftSchema site.