Compare Databases with Visual Diff

Visual Diff is a feature providing visual comparison between diagrams. We can make use of Visual Diff to compare the structure of different databases. Assume we have 2 databases, Database1 and Database2. To compare different databases:

1. Reverse Database1 into ERD, name the diagram as ERD1.
2. Create Model Database1 in Model Explorer.
   

   Create Model Database1

3. Right click on Database1, select Diagram > Add Existing Diagram, and then select ERD1.
   

   Select diagram

4. Reverse Database2 into ERD, name the diagram as ERD2.
5. Create Model Database2 in Model Explorer, and then associate ERD2 to Database2Model.
   

   Create Model Database2

6. Select Modeling > Visual Diff… on toolbar .
   

   Launch visual diff

7. Select Name in the Strategyfield.
   

   Select name for strategy

8. Select ERD1 in the Diagram field on the left hand side.
9. Select Use Working Project and ERD2on the right hand side.
   

   Select diagram

10. The elements (which having differences) will listed out on the bottom part of the Visual Diff dialog.
    

    Elements are listed

11. Select the elements in the list and they will be highlighted in the comparison dialog.
    

    Select element for comparing