Top SQL Source Control Alternatives for Database Versioning

SQL Source Control is a well-known add-in for SQL Server Management Studio, designed to help developers version control their databases across various systems like SVN, TFS, Git, Mercurial, Vault, and Perforce. While it's a powerful tool, many users seek a SQL Source Control alternative that better fits their specific workflow, budget, or preferred features. Whether you're looking for open-source options, cross-platform compatibility, or different integration capabilities, the market offers a diverse range of tools to manage your database changes effectively.

Best SQL Source Control Alternatives

Finding the right tool to manage your database schema and data changes is crucial for team collaboration and deployment efficiency. Here are some of the leading alternatives to SQL Source Control that you should consider.

Liquibase

Liquibase is a robust open-source database source control tool that stands out as a strong SQL Source Control alternative. It supports code branching and merging, multiple developers, and a wide array of database types. Available for Mac, Windows, and Linux, Liquibase offers features like comprehensive database versioning and source control, making it highly versatile for various development environments.

flyway

Flyway is an open-source database migration tool that emphasizes simplicity and convention, making it an excellent SQL Source Control alternative for those who prefer a less complex setup. It provides a Java API (also compatible with Android) and works across Mac, Windows, and Linux. Its primary features include a command-line interface and efficient database migration capabilities, streamlining your deployment process.

dbForge Source Control for SQL Server

dbForge Source Control for SQL Server is a commercial SSMS add-in that serves as a direct and powerful SQL Source Control alternative for Windows users. It excels in managing SQL Server database changes within source control and can link your databases to all popular source control systems. Its core feature is comprehensive version and source control, making it ideal for teams heavily reliant on SQL Server Management Studio.

gitSQL

gitSQL is a free front-end GUI designed for scripting SQL objects into flat files for use with source control systems like Git, offering a free SQL Source Control alternative. Available for Mac, Windows, and Linux, it focuses on database versioning and source control, providing a straightforward way to integrate your SQL changes into standard source control workflows.

Evolve (database migration)

Evolve is a free and open-source database migration tool for .NET and .NET Core projects, inspired by Flyway, and acts as a solid SQL Source Control alternative. It uses plain old SQL scripts for migrations and is compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux. Its key features include continuous integration support, general database management, and robust database migration capabilities.

DbPatch

DbPatch provides database version control, supporting Gradle, Maven, and standalone operations. This free and open-source tool for Mac, Windows, Linux, and Java environments offers a portable and efficient SQL Source Control alternative. It focuses on core database management, versioning, and source control features, making it a flexible choice for various setups.

yuniql

yuniql is a free and open-source schema versioning and migration tool built with .NET Core, offering another strong SQL Source Control alternative. It uses plain SQL, organizes versions in ordinary folders, and allows seeding data from CSV. Available for Mac, Windows, and Linux, yuniql features database management, portable design, and comprehensive version and source control.

ApexSQL Source Control

ApexSQL Source Control is a commercial SQL Server Management Studio add-in, directly comparable to SQL Source Control. It enables version control of SQL databases and objects directly from within SSMS for Windows users. While its features aren't extensively detailed, its direct integration with SSMS makes it a convenient option for those already using SQL Server Management Studio.

Ultimately, the best SQL Source Control alternative for you will depend on your specific database type, team size, budget, and preferred integration with existing tools. We encourage you to explore these options further to find the perfect fit for your database versioning and change management needs.