SQL Server / SQL Azure Schema Compare

Question

I'd like to compare schemas between SQL Server 2012 and SQL Azure, but I get this error in Visual Studio 2013:

A project which specifies SQL Server 2012 as the target platform cannot be published to SQL Azure.

enter image description here

Is it possible to compare these 2 database types?

The only way I've been able to do this is to import the SQL 2012 DB to a database project targetting SQL Azure, then compare the project to SQL Azure. Would love to know if there's a better way. — Anthony Chu, Feb 23 '14 at 22:36
Thanks @AnthonyChu. I'll give that a try, but it does sound cumbersome. I hope someone can still share a more convenient way. — Johnny Oshika, Feb 24 '14 at 04:24
The way I do it is as described by Anthony, compare a database project and Azure. It is good practice to have your DB schema in the project and source control anyway. — Craig, Feb 24 '14 at 05:46
@AnthonyChu, if you copy your comment to the answer box, I'll mark is as the accepted answer. — Johnny Oshika, Feb 24 '14 at 06:34
@Craig Thanks. And good point regarding source controlling the schema. I don't think enough people do it. I do wish there was a way to compare an on-prem SQL Server DB to a SQL Azure DB in an adhoc manner though... Just being able to see the diff without ability to update would've been nice. — Anthony Chu, Feb 24 '14 at 07:22
You can compare a local database to Azure using RedGate schema compare, but that costs extra $$ — Craig, Feb 24 '14 at 09:47

score 71 · Accepted Answer · edited Sep 12 '14 at 13:36

71

There actually is a non-cumbersome method to overcome this problem. Just open up the schema compare options and make sure the "Allow incompatible platform" box is checked

SQL Compare Options - General

edited Sep 12 '14 at 13:36

SliverNinja - MSFT

31,051
11
110
173

answered Apr 20 '14 at 02:56

Corillian

907
7
12

4

Fantastic! That was the ticket. – Johnny Oshika May 06 '14 at 21:39
1

Genius my friend, pure genius – jcvandan Sep 04 '14 at 19:45
1

Anyone want to post how to even get to Schema Compare Options? – zic10 Jun 07 '15 at 22:55
This error can also occur if you are trying to migrate a database from SQL Server to Azure SQL Database using the tools available within Visual Studio SQL Server Object Explorer. In the Advanced button this option also exists. – nrod Nov 09 '15 at 13:44

score 4 · Answer 2 · answered Sep 14 '15 at 23:26

4

Need more reputation to comment, sorry for redundant answer: this window can not be found in VS options. Start comparison and click options button

answered Sep 14 '15 at 23:26

Atchitutchuk

174
5

score 1 · Answer 3 · answered Feb 24 '14 at 07:17

1

The only way I've been able to do this is to import the SQL 2012 DB to a database project targetting SQL Azure, then compare the project to the SQL Azure database.

answered Feb 24 '14 at 07:17

Anthony Chu

37,170
10
81
71

SQL Server / SQL Azure Schema Compare

3 Answers3