psisqlmgr
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Replicate SQL Structure, Not Data
SQL Server 2005 Enterprise Edition - How can I replicate the structure of a table (or other db objects) without replicating the data? Here is the situation ... I have one Primary DB that I make changes to (ie: add new columns, new triggers, etc) and I want those changes that I made to replicate down to my subscribers, but I do not want to reinitialize the data. In fact, I don't want to touch their data at all, just maintain structural integrity .... automatically. Transactional replication as long as I'm on SP 1? How do I filter all rows?
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Hmm, I don't think replication was designed for the system tables.
One other point. Labour has a cost. I don't know what your time is worth, but that $300 tool will safe you money in the long run.
ASKER
I don't want to replicate system tables. I just want to replicate the structure of tables within a user db without replicating the data.
Hmm, I'll back up a little bit. Replication is intended for data, not the schema.
However, in each database there are system tables that hold the schema you design (sysobjects for example). I thought you were considering using replication on the system tables in the database to replicate the schema which I wouldn't recommend.
As I said labour has a cost. I would strongly recommend you consider purchasing the products I recommended because they do exactly what you need. If you try to do it yourself the cost of your labour will be far higher than those products.
However, in each database there are system tables that hold the schema you design (sysobjects for example). I thought you were considering using replication on the system tables in the database to replicate the schema which I wouldn't recommend.
As I said labour has a cost. I would strongly recommend you consider purchasing the products I recommended because they do exactly what you need. If you try to do it yourself the cost of your labour will be far higher than those products.
ASKER
tedbilly ... thank you for contributing to this Q&A session. I was hoping that SQL had some way that I wasn't aware of (built in) to do what I asked. Maybe in a future version...
I agree with you. I wish SQL had it built in. However, both of those companies do make some great products. I use SQL Docs from Red-Gate as well and am VERY happy with it.
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