Export Data-tier Application vs Generate Script: Why Does SQL Server Have Both?

• Ivan

  Valued Member

  Points: 62

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  November 18, 2024 at 5:16 am

  #4485183

  Hey everyone,

  SQL Server has two mechanisms for deploying and moving a database to another platform: Export Data-tier Application and Generate Script (with the "schema and data" option enabled).

  I'm a bit puzzled because these are two different tools that seem to tackle the same task. From what I've read and tried, they appear almost identical in practical terms.

  • In both cases, you can choose what to include in the deployment file.
  • Both tools allow you to restore to another version or platform (for scripts, you can select the target platform in the advanced options).
  • Neither provides transactionally consistent data import.

  What am I missing here? Why did Microsoft introduce Export Data-tier Application when Generate Script already offers similar capabilities?

• Site Owners

  SSC Guru

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  November 19, 2024 at 6:10 am

  #4485758

  Thanks for posting your issue and hopefully someone will answer soon.

  This is an automated bump to increase visibility of your question.