Re: How to alter the schema of a database to introduce newfeatures or change the current features

On Thu, 2010-07-15 at 09:07 +0100, Pete Ford wrote: > On 15/07/10 06:03, Paul M Foster wrote: > > On Wed, Jul 14, 2010 at 09:28:53PM -0700, Slith One wrote: > > > >> I'm developing an app using Zend Framwork using Git for version control. > >> > >> What is the best approach for updating the schema and the database > >> when one of us makes an update to the db structure? > >> > >> currently, we have to blow out the tables and recreate them manually > >> to reflect the new updates. > > > > I'm probably being naive, but don't you have an ALTER TABLE sql > > statement available to you? > > > > Also, for what it's worth, I don't build tables manually (at the command > > line or whatever). I always create a script which will build the tables > > I need. If, for some crazy reason, I do have to restart from scratch, > > it's a simple matter to alter that script and re-run it. > > > > Paul > > > > Scripting is the way to go for database changes: every time I have to make a > schema change I write an SQL script to do the job, including any manipulation of > data required. Then I make a copy of the real data and test the hell out of the > change script before going live with it. > You can commit the database script to your source control at the time you commit > the code changes, and then when you update the live system you run any new > scripts at the same time. > > > > -- > Peter Ford, Developer phone: 01580 893333 fax: 01580 893399 > Justcroft International Ltd. www.justcroft.com > Justcroft House, High Street, Staplehurst, Kent TN12 0AH United Kingdom > Registered in England and Wales: 2297906 > Registered office: Stag Gates House, 63/64 The Avenue, Southampton SO17 1XS > ALTER TABLE is the way to go. If in doubt, look at the SQL phpMyAdmin produces when you make the changes in there. Thanks, Ash http://www.ashleysheridan.co.uk