You could always take the manual approach, but why?! xSQL Software have a very nice little program (amongst a range of others) that will compare your databases schema, report the differences and generate the script to successfully update your database changes. Below is a sample screenshot of 2 databases I am comparing, take a look at some of the features this program has...
The top red arrow shows the tables that have differences. Remember that differences could go either way and this is now for you to decide. Once these are found the differences are highlighted below (second and third red arrow). Notice the tabs "Differences", "Make Left as Right" etc... In my example I have a missing field in the first database. I can now choose to insert the missing field into database 1 or remove it from database 2. If I want the structure to look like the database on the left pane then I would go to tab "Make Right as Left" which will reveal the SQL script that will do the job. This synchronization script can be copied and pasted into SQL Management Studio to be edited and run or you can even run it from xSQL Software. How easy is that?!
xSQL Software's Object application works with SQL 2008. There is a Lite/Free version for SQL Express users.
The script generated will rollback if it fails and comments are inserted into the script to alert you to possible problems. As in the example I will be dropping this field, which may contain data. The script will warn me about this and mark the place I may want to insert my own code for moving the contents of that field. Certainly a useful tool, with its simple and well thought out interface. Our work of synchronizing databases has been made a lot easier with this wonderful tool, a definite must-have for developers. You can find out more at http://www.xsqlsoftware.com
