Side by side
pg-schema-diff vs sqldef
Both stand on database schema comparison tools. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Self-hosted
Choose pg-schema-diff if you need a free, self-hosted way to compare Postgres schemas and create SQL migration plans. Look elsewhere if you need Postgres 13 or earlier, broader type support, or stateful online migration techniques such as shadow tables.
Visit pg-schema-diff Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1
sqldef offers a SQL-based workflow for generating, previewing, and applying changes across multiple database engines. Its offline comparison and repeatable operations are useful options for teams managing schema changes.
Visit sqldefThe facts
| pg-schema-diff | sqldef | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Self-hosted | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | Free or on request |
| Plans published | None | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | github.com | github.com |
| On database schema comparison tools | #13 of 25 | #9 of 25 |
pg-schema-diff: what it does well
- Free and self-hosted.
- Generates SQL migrations from schema comparisons.
- Supports declarative target schemas in plain DDL.
- Uses native online operations where possible.
- Validates plans against a temporary database.
What to know first
- Postgres 13 and earlier are unsupported.
- Only enum types are supported.
- Some migrations may require downtime.
- Shadow-table migration techniques are not supported.
sqldef: what it does well
- Supports six listed database engines
- Previews migrations with dry-run
- Compares SQL files without a database connection
- Single binaries have no dependencies
- Free: free
What to know first
- Debian packages are not currently available
- Free trial is not offered
Alternatives to pg-schema-diff Alternatives to sqldef The whole list