Database Compare

Learn how to set-up and configure the Database Compare activity. Running a comparison can compare data across schemas, databases or using snapshots. This page shows the Test Automation Data Activity for Database Compare.

There are 3 ways of running a Database Compare (1) as a High Watermark Comparison (8mins 14secs), as a Snapshot Comparison (7mins 42secs) and Database to Database (not shown - the mechanism is the same as Snapshot Comparison but using another connection profile rather then a Snapshot). Also see the benefits overview clip of Database Compare (2 mins).

Database Compare - Overview (2 mins)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAcSFi3mpiQ

Database Compare - How to:

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Run a High Watermark Comparison (8mins 14secs)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v_i8TBwXk4

Tip for usage of High Watermark comparison method: when you don’t have control over the database to create a new schema or table, look for the most recently inserted data before and after a test has finished.

What you’ll see covered in the clip - Initial set-up:

• Checking for a Database Scan and ensure you have a Definition

• Creating a new item and choose a type

• Attaching the pre-defined and most recent version of a database Definition

• Creating a configuation list to automatically generate the SQL statements

• Choosing and executing a specific schema

• Picking up a configuration list

• Choosing the run type

• Previewing the outcome

Then, you’ll see covered:

• Creating and checking for new rows only list

• Querying database with connection profile

• Picking off the recent/highest values in all the Primary Keys for the tables (at this point in time)

• Seeing the testing process

• Detecting using the High Watermark method

• Comparing the configuring lists for changes

• Running a compare of newly inserted data

• Downloading database compare results to verify which rows of newly inserted data have been added before and after the process you want to test

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Run a Snapshot Comparison (7mins 42secs)

Snapshot an Oracle database as an example to compare data before and after testing is finished.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdKAO6DOUzM

Tip for usage of Snapshot Comparison method: when you are going across a database set the _SNAP to blank*.

What you’ll see covered in the clip - Initial set-up:

• Selecting a database a a registered Definition

• Executing a build compare configuration list

• Previewing the tables you want to work with

• Seeing the attached component, ie list, in the Data Activity

• Previewing the list of the information for the compare process to run with Primary Keys and source/target SELECT clauses

• Seeing and redefining _SNAP* which indicates database snaphots will be created to compare against

Then, you’ll see covered:

• Checking and previewing jobs and attachments in the activity audit in descending time order

• Seeing the SQL that’s been issues to Snapshot the database (5 different file types)

• Creating a SQL script and moving it to the server for use in a form for the user to create a Snaphot and Compare the the database, they normally don’t come into the Activity to run it

• Locating and modifying the parameters in the generated form

• Executing the Snapshot

• Creating a Submit form for the compare activity

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Run a Database to Database Comparison

(not shown - the mechanism is the same as Snapshot comparison using another connection profile rather then a Snapshot)

General info on running Jobs for Data Activities

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A database activity is created by adding components into the activity including and not exclusively: a Definition version, Submit form, an existing Compare Configuaration list. Also see the available specific Actions, including but not exclusively, for a user to Submit the compare, or generate a form to Snapshot a database.

Available Data Activities

Data Activities are tools for the classification, organisation and versioning of core data assets across the development cycle.

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