Copy SQL Schema from One Database to Another Database or Server
Nowadays, we have started addressing the user query to copy SQL schema from one database to another without any hassles. This is because rather than copying the entire database, we were getting queries to copy just the schema without data. After our research for the same, we found a lot of causes, challenges, & solutions.
Therefore, if any of you are trying to copy only the schema from one of your database to another one without the data, here is the solution. We’re going to mention T-SQL copy schema from one database to another method along with the advanced software solution with 100% accuracy. Moreover, some SSMS & generate scripts methods are also there to complete this task.
- Reasons for MSSQL Copy Schema Task
- Challenges to Copy SQL Schema from One to Another DB
- SQL Copy Table Schema from One DB to Another with Tool
- SSMS Method to Copy SQL Database Schema (Structure) Only
- T-SQL Method Copy Schema from One Database to Another One
- Generate Scripts Solution for SQL Server Schema Copy Operation
- The Conclusion
Reasons for MSSQL Copy Schema from One Database to Another
There are several reasons why a users wants to execute this operation. However, we can not mention a lot of them, we are going to state a few most common ones.
- There are scenarios when users need to just make a new database exactly like the existing one. However, they don’t need the data in it.
- Creating a test environment is quite crucial for some users at times when they develop and test with new applications.
- Data management tasks such as data partitioning, data replication, & data archiving are also factors that divert users towards the copying task for schema only.
- Migration purposes like table structure migration, data warehousing, or database platform migration often become such a reason too.
- Schema backup is quite crucial for some disaster-like circumstances. This is exactly when users would need a backup only consisting the SQL table schema.
- Last but not least, experimenting with schema without affecting the production database is another common thing for schema evolution.
Challenges to Copy SQL Schema from One Database to Another
Now, we have a problem. If so many users are trying to execute the task, why aren’t they able to get the expected outcome successfully? Why are users struggling to get the solution over the internet? Well, this is clearly because of the involvement of the challenges present here. Users need to make sure that they are aware of these challenges in advance & make counter preparations as well.
We have mentioned the most common & irritating challenges below for users. It will help them copy schema from one database to another SQL Server without data easily.
- Security & Permissions: Failing to assign the user permissions & role permissions in the destination DB leads to unauthorized access or maybe even data breaches.
- Performance Slow-Down: It is very time-consuming for users. This is because copying all the schema data can be hefty. This is due to the large-sized schema.
- Schema Differences: Users can experience collation, data types, and naming conventions issues due to differences in the SQL Server versions.
- Data Dependencies: Users often face trouble & data corruption issues while maintaining key relationships & data integrity standards.
- Object Dependencies: Some of the objects like stored procedures, triggers, and functions often rely on various schema elements which are troublesome.
1. SQL Copy Table Schema from One Database to Another Automatically
We are going to discuss the best solution now. Yes, the automated advanced solution is so far the best because of the easy-to-use environment and modern features. For this, SysTools SQL Server Migration Tool is the top recommendation from SQL experts & Microsoft MVPs. Moving ahead, this software can easily copy SQL schema from one database to another without data due to these features:
- Four migration or copy modes:
- SQL Server to SQL Server (Same or different database/server)
- SQL Server to SQL Scripts
- MDF file to SQL Server (Same or different database/server)
- MDF file to SQL Scripts
- Option to export data with schema only or with schema and data.
- Dual Scanning modes such as Quick & Advanced for corruption scanning.
- Ability to recover & migrate deleted objects as well & repair them if damaged.
- Easy to use GUI with multiple authentication modes; SQL & Windows authentication.
- Free demo for testing purposes with only limited software capabilities for free.
- All SQL Server versions are supported here from 2000 to latest 2022.
To copy schema from one database to another SQL Server without data, users just need to follow these five easy steps:
Step-1. Launch the Software & then Hit the Open button.
Step-2. Select Online or Offline mode to execute the copy process.
Step-3. Preview the Database Objects to cross-check all the objects.
Step-4. Set Destination as SQL Server, CSV file, or SQL Scripts here.
Step-5. Select “export with only schema” option & Hit the Export button.
2. SSMS Method to Copy SQL Database Schema Only
If users are unable to opt for the software even after an expert’s recommendation. We do have other options too. However, its important to know all the manual solutions are not as effective & efficient as the automated tools.
- Launch SSMS > Right Click database > Task > Export.
- Click Next on the SQL Server Import/Export wizard here.
- Enter Authentication > Select Source of the data > Click Next.
- Specify Destination where user needs to copy data > Click Next.
- That’s it. Now, proceed with Next & towards the last page where it gets finished.
As there are not many features & customization scope, users might need to compromise with the data accuracy.
3. T-SQL Copy Schema from One Database to Another
The T-SQL command method is where we’ll execute SQL copy table schema from one database to another using Transcript SQL commands. As these commands are quite complex, there is a high chance that users might get confused & end up losing the entire data or corrupting files.
Therefore, make sure to execute all four of these commands with utmost precision.
CMD-1. Select * into DestinationDB.dbo.tableName from SourceDB.dbo.SourceTable
Here, this command is for copying the schema as well as data. This makes it very time consuming & risk prone.
CMD-2. select * into newtable from SourceTable
This second command is to copy the table data & schema within the same database but a different table. It is also time-consuming but comparatively less than the previous one because of a single table.
CMD-3. select col1, col2 into <destination_table> from <source_table>
If users want they can use this T-SQL copy schema from one database to another method for specific schemas if required.
CMD-4. select *into <destination_database.dbo.destination table> from _<source_database.dbo.source table> where 1 = 2
This is the command users must be searching for. This command only copies the schema structure and not the data.
Drawbacks of the Command Line Method:
- Risk-Prone
- Time-Consuming
- No Guaranteed Results
- Complex & Very Technical
- Lack of Advanced Features
Also Read: How to Backup SQL Server Database to Older Version with Ease Step by Step?
4. Generate Scripts for SQL Server Schema Copy Operation
The last method that we have to copy SQL schema from one database to another one is script generation. Yes, this is another technical method that users might try. However, we do not recommend this solution to users. The steps for the same are mentioned below:
- Open SSMS > Right-click on Database > Tasks> Generate Scripts.
- In the Script Wizard > Click Nex > Select Database.
- Choose Object types > Click Next Select Tables.
- Select the Export option for the script.
- Change/Edit the database Name.
- Execute the script to finish.
The Conclusion
Now, we have to conclude this article as we have discussed all of the topics. Now, users are aware of the causes, challenges, & solutions for MSSQL copy schema from one database to another task. Moving ahead, the solutions are all working but they do have some limitations. This is why users can select their preferred one based on their requirements.
In a nutshell, we must say that to copy SQL schema from one database to another, users can trust the advanced software. Already, thousands of users and SQL experts already do along with several Microsoft MVPs recommendations. It’s a great way for users to avoid the hassles & risks present in the manual solution.