Reviewing Results

Other database comparison tools basically script out the databases and then do a basic file diff between the resulting DDL (sql "create" scripts), we've found that approach to be somewhat tedious for the user - and we don't believe it offers much more benefit than what you can do on your own with Enterprise Manager's scripting capabilities and a standard file diff tool. Our approach is GUI based instead of text based, and allows you to get a grasp on the complete picture of what is different, and the specifics of how it is different much more quickly.

SQL Accord provides two main ways (besides reporting) to review your comparison results on the screen. You can use the Differences tree. This tree gives you a snapshot of hierarchically organized items that are different - the important thing to note about this view is that it shows ONLY items that are different. The Side by Side tree view shows both databases schemas at the same time to give you a color coded blow by blow analysis of what is different.

Although each view is useful in different ways - both views allow you to get a quick overview of the differences from a high level, and drill down into as the details as much as you need very quickly. For any text based objects you can drill down to see their text definitions (syntax highlighted sql) or opt to do a side by side code difference inspection.

The Results Differences Display - shows only differences

The Results Side by Side Tree - shows color coded differences in context of complete schema