Question

I wonder what you are using for updating a client database when your program is patched?

Let’s take a look at this scenario:

1. You have a desktop application (.net, entity framework) which is using sql server compact database.
2. You release a new version of your application which is using extended database.
3. The user downloads a patch with modified files
4. How do you update the database?

I wonder how you are doing this process. I have some conception but I think more experienced people can give me better and tried solutions or advice.

Answer 1

You need a migration framework.

There are existing OSS libraries like FluentMigrator

• project page
• wiki
• long “Getting started” blogpost

Entity Framework Code First will also get its own migration framework, but it’s still in beta:

• Code First Migrations: Beta 1 Released
• Code First Migrations: Beta 1 ‘No-Magic’ Walkthrough
• Code First Migrations: Beta 1 ‘With-Magic’ Walkthrough (Automatic Migrations)