Does exist ORM / Framework that converts data automatically when I want to change column datatype in table?

Question

Assume that I have existing database with existing data.

Is there any framework / ORM that generates data conversion SQL scripts when I need change column datatype? Of course there is problem with conversions like

float to int
string to int

, but I would like to have such default functionality that automatically converts data from

int to float
int to string.

Do I have always to write data SQL data conversion scripts in both cases?

#sigh# What languages are you working with? To my knowledge, there isn't any _one_ ORM that works with multiple languages 'as is' (barring being able to wrap external libraries...). A number of them will simply 'convert' data into the desired native types, if they've been mapped that way, and that it's safe to do so. Otherwise, they provide a number of facilities for the translation before/after persistence. — Clockwork-Muse, Dec 05 '12 at 16:59

score 3 · Accepted Answer · answered Dec 14 '12 at 22:25

In the .Net world I've had very good experience with LLBLGen Pro. It supports the generation of DDL scripts to migrate the underlying database to the updated entity definitions. Here is quick start guide that shows the overview of how this works, and here is documentation section for Model-First design process

You can either use it with its own runtime framework, or simply as a design tool for Entity Framework, NHibernate, or Linq to SQL.

score 3 · Answer 2 · answered Dec 17 '12 at 17:52

3

SauceDB is written in .NET and is capable of doing automatic schema modifications when you change the data type on an access object.

http://sauce.codeplex.com

Disclamer: I wrote it

answered Dec 17 '12 at 17:52

iamkrillin

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score 2 · Answer 3 · answered Dec 07 '12 at 09:49

2

There is EntityFramework.Migrations for example.

answered Dec 07 '12 at 09:49

Michał Kuliński

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If it's the entity framework, and working with NuGet, then the implication is that it's a CLR library at minimum (and may be language specific even then, probably C#). If you're in a java-only environment, this most likely won't work for you. What application-side language are you working with? – Clockwork-Muse Dec 07 '12 at 16:54
Technology / application-side language doesn't matter. I'm asking in general. If I would find proper solution I will change technology / language. – Michał Kuliński Dec 11 '12 at 13:27

score 2 · Answer 4 · answered Dec 17 '12 at 13:44

2

And another competitor: Propel Migrations

answered Dec 17 '12 at 13:44

Michał Kuliński

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score 1 · Answer 5 · answered Dec 17 '12 at 13:42

1

What about Doctrine Migrations

answered Dec 17 '12 at 13:42

Michał Kuliński

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score 1 · Answer 6 · answered Dec 18 '12 at 07:36

I would recommend DataObjects.Net.

Automatic upgrade works when we add new classes and properties to the model, but sometimes necessary to perform some specific schema modifications, for example rename of properties or classes, in this case you can write an upgrade handler(RenameFieldHint, RemoveFieldHint etc)

Does exist ORM / Framework that converts data automatically when I want to change column datatype in table?

6 Answers6