How to compare tables but exclude certain column(s)?

DrData

I have a few columns in a table that SHOULD have different values in Database A and Database B. I only want to see records that have a difference in columns OTHER than a few specified columns. To my surprise, I don't see a way to exclude columns in SQL Data Compare. Am I missing it, or do I have to compare this data manually with queries?

Kurt_M

Hi @DrData

The command line actually has more flexibility when it comes to filtering. I would suggest looking into the command line features if your license supports it. 

You can find documentation about the command line here:

https://documentation.red-gate.com/sdc/using-the-command-line/examples-using-the-command-line 

The specific options you would want to use are the following:

https://documentation.red-gate.com/sdc/using-the-command-line/command-line-syntax/switches-used-in-the-command-line#:~:text=Instead%20use%C2%A0/Include%3AAdditional-,/IncludeColumns,-Alias%3A%C2%A0/ic 

https://documentation.red-gate.com/sdc/using-the-command-line/command-line-syntax/switches-used-in-the-command-line#:~:text=with%20unrelated%20names.-,/ExcludeColumns%3A%3Ctable%20or%20view%20name%3E%3A%3Cregular%20expression%3E,-Alias%3A%C2%A0/ec 

DrData

Kurt_M said:

Hi @DrData

The command line actually has more flexibility when it comes to filtering. I would suggest looking into the command line features if your license supports it. 

You can find documentation about the command line here:

https://documentation.red-gate.com/sdc/using-the-command-line/examples-using-the-command-line 

The specific options you would want to use are the following:

https://documentation.red-gate.com/sdc/using-the-command-line/command-line-syntax/switches-used-in-the-command-line#:~:text=Instead%20use%C2%A0/Include%3AAdditional-,/IncludeColumns,-Alias%3A%C2%A0/ic 

https://documentation.red-gate.com/sdc/using-the-command-line/command-line-syntax/switches-used-in-the-command-line#:~:text=with%20unrelated%20names.-,/ExcludeColumns%3A%3Ctable%20or%20view%20name%3E%3A%3Cregular%20expression%3E,-Alias%3A%C2%A0/ec 

Thanks - I was able to get it to work via command line. Hope to see in the GUI for less technical users in the future though.

DrData

Kurt_M said:

Hi @DrData

The command line actually has more flexibility when it comes to filtering. I would suggest looking into the command line features if your license supports it. 

You can find documentation about the command line here:

https://documentation.red-gate.com/sdc/using-the-command-line/examples-using-the-command-line 

The specific options you would want to use are the following:

https://documentation.red-gate.com/sdc/using-the-command-line/command-line-syntax/switches-used-in-the-command-line#:~:text=Instead%20use%C2%A0/Include%3AAdditional-,/IncludeColumns,-Alias%3A%C2%A0/ic 

https://documentation.red-gate.com/sdc/using-the-command-line/command-line-syntax/switches-used-in-the-command-line#:~:text=with%20unrelated%20names.-,/ExcludeColumns%3A%3Ctable%20or%20view%20name%3E%3A%3Cregular%20expression%3E,-Alias%3A%C2%A0/ec 

Thanks - I was able to get it to work via command line. Hope to see in the GUI for less technical users in the future though.