ApexSQL Snapshot Utility

ApexSQL Snapshot Utility is a cost-free tool that can capture a snapshot of a SQL Server database schema, which serves as a backup. The snapshot can then be loaded into ApexSQL Diff, an application that can perform schema synchronization and transfers.

If you are used to working with ApexSQL products, you should know that this one is different. The standard ribbon-based interface is missing, and you only get a small window to set up the connection to the target SQL Server database.

First, you must select the SQL server instance to load, then proceed to the authentication method you want to use. ApexSQL Snapshot Utility then loads all the available databases and places them in a drop-down list, where you can choose the one you want.

A simple push of a button instructs ApexSQL Snapshot Utility to generate the schema backup in a user-defined location. Depending on the size of the target database, the entire procedure can take more or less time but it is usually finished pretty fast. The application practically reloads the metadata and then copies all the information into the snapshot file. Once the procedure is complete, ApexSQL Snapshot Utility displays a notification message.

The resulting file can be then imported to ApexSQL Diff. This application extracts the information from the schema snapshot, allowing you to perform multiple operations, such as synchronizing two database schemas, perform transfers, or load the backed up schema into a source control system.