How to synchronize two tables stored in different databases

Question

I have two tables in different databases. The tables are exactly alike (same name,same columns,etc). My question is, how can I retrieve new rows from parent table and store into the child table? I need to do so in a click_event of a button. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

There are several technologies specifically for this type of scenario:

• SQL Replication
  • Supports unidirectional or bidirectional synchronization
• SSIS
  • Lets you define the mappings of the data, as well as transformations, and attach other code to the process easily
• Linked-servers
  • Allows you to query databases and tables on remote servers as though they are part of the local database. Very easy to setup (just call exec sp_addlinkedserver ) and once defined uses nothing but plain old SQL

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Since you mention this needs to occur on a button-click then I'd suggest you use linked servers within a stored procedure--they're the simplest option. SSIS would also be suitable, you'd need to execute the package on the button-click.

Answer 2

Resolved it myself using Linked Server. Here is a simple tutorial about how to create a linked server. After creating linked server, we can query it as follows:

select * from LinkedServerName.DatabaseName.dbo.TableName

Works just perfect!! Accepting STW's answer as he explains different approaches.

Answer 3

(long and non-optimal solution) get all id's from first table. get all id's from second table. loop through the first array and remove all items that are found in the second.