Working with Data Models › How Complete Compare Works › Complete Compare Examples › Compare a Data Model and a Script File or Database

Compare a Data Model and a Script File or Database

You can compare a data model to a script file or database using Complete Compare. In this example you work with an open model in the workspace before you start the Complete Compare Wizard.

Note: You can start a Complete Compare session even if no models are open when you click Complete Compare, Compare on the Actions menu.

To compare a data model and a script file or database

1. Open the data model that you want to compare with a script file or database, then click Complete Compare on the Actions menu.

   The Complete Compare wizard opens, on the Right Model Selection pane.

2. Select the option to Load From Database/Script, then click Load.

   The Allow Demand Loading option is selected by default. For this example, do not change the default.

   The Reverse Engineer wizard opens.

3. Work with the Reverse Engineer Wizard to select a template and set options for the reverse engineering. You can choose to reverse engineer from a database or script file. Depending on your choice, you are prompted to browse for the script file, or enter connection credentials for the database. Click Next in the Reverse Engineer - Set Options dialog.

   The reverse engineering process runs, and your script file or database appears as an open model in the workspace, and is selected as the "Right Model" in the Complete Compare Wizard.

4. Use the options in the Complete Compare Wizard to set the compare level and filter by objects for either model.
5. Click Compare to start the compare process.

   The two models are compared, and the Resolve Differences dialog opens.

6. Use features in the Resolve Differences dialog to compare and reconcile any detected differences between the models.

   Note: If you move objects or properties into your model based on the database or script file (the right model), you can generate an alter script or script file. Click the Right Alter Script/Schema Generation icon to open the Alter Script wizard.

7. Click Finish.

   You return to the Complete Compare Wizard. You can change any options in the wizard and begin the compare process again, or click Close to close the wizard.

   The wizard closes and you return to the main workspace.

Note: An Advanced Option, "Auto-Dispose Database/Script Models" is selected by default. This means that the model reverse-engineered from your script file or database is automatically closed without saving at the end of the Complete Compare session.

More information:

Complete Compare Wizard Summary