Home > Articles > Data > SQL Server

Like this article? We recommend

Modifying Published Table Schemas

One of the main limitations of replication using SQL Server versions prior to 2005 used to be mandatory downtime for making most changes to the replicated table’s schema. Fortunately, SQL Server 2005 allows making nearly all schema changes without removing tables from the publication. Replicating table schema changes is perhaps the biggest and most essential improvement in replication functionality, making SQL Server 2005 a true enterprise class database platform.

SQL Server 2000 enabled you to use the sp_repladdcolumn and sp_repldropcolumn system procedures to add/drop columns to replicated tables. However, if you used these routines for altering table schema(s), you had to wait for the Snapshot Agent to run, create the copy of the new schema and data, and then wait for the distribution agent to apply the snapshot to the subscriber. Of course, while the snapshot was being applied at the subscriber, the affected table(s) would not be available for querying or modifications—thereby requiring downtime. A viable alternative for sp_repladdcolumn was to use the ALTER TABLE command to add a column to the replicated table on both publisher and subscriber; you would then have to manually add the column to the publication and modify replication stored procedures. Similarly, you could filter a column from the existing publication and then execute the ALTER TABLE DROP COLUMN statement on the publisher. But you’d have to wait for the Snapshot Agent to apply the changes to the subscriber, again requiring downtime.

Let’s see how we can add or remove columns to a published table with SQL Server 2005. First, I’ll execute the following statement in the AdventureWorksDW database on the publisher:

ALTER TABLE dimAccount ADD test_column VARCHAR(250)

This statement adds a new column to the published table. Next I’ll execute the sp_browsereplcmds system procedure in the distribution database to find the same command forwarded to the subscriber:

ALTER TABLE [dbo].[DimAccount] ADD test_column VARCHAR(250)

Moreover, if I examine the replication stored procedures on the subscriber, I’ll find references to the newly added column:

Create procedure [dbo].[sp_MSupd_dboDimAccount] 
@c1 int,@c2 int,@c3 int,@c4 int,@c5 nvarchar(50),@c6 nvarchar(50),@c7 nvarchar(50),
@c8 nvarchar(300),@c9 nvarchar(50),@c10 nvarchar(200),
@c11 varchar(250),@pkc1 int ,
@bitmap binary(2) 
as 
begin 

update [dbo].[DimAccount] 
set 
/* updating existing columns
** skipped here to save some space 
*/
,[test_column] = case substring(@bitmap,2,1) & 4 when 4 then @c11 else [test_column] end 
where 
[AccountKey] = @pkc1 
if @@rowcount = 0  
if @@microsoftversion>0x07320000   
exec sp_MSreplraiserror 20598 
end 

Similarly, to drop a column from a replicated table, I could execute the following statement:

ALTER TABLE dimAccount 
DROP COLUMN test_column1 

Replication would deliver this command exactly as when I added the column. In the background, SQL Server 2005 does exactly what we used to do manually in previous versions—it scripts the replication stored procedures after schema changes and applies them to the subscriber databases. Although schema changes no longer require downtime, you should not abuse this functionality. If you anticipate having millions of transactions in the distribution database waiting to be delivered to subscribers, don’t expect your schema changes to replicate in a blink of an eye. The table schema changes will be treated just like any other transaction, so if you want your publisher and subscriber to have consistent schemas, try to make table changes when user activity is minimal.

You might wonder whether there is a way to turn off replicating table schema changes. In fact, there is a way to do so: from the Subscription Properties dialog box, shown in the following figure.

Note that you need to make schema changes by using the ALTER TABLE statement to replicate them; the graphical tool for modifying tables with SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) does not work. If you attempt to modify a replicated table using this tool, SSMS will alert you that the table is replicated and must be dropped from publication before you can make schema changes.

The following schema changes on replicated tables are automatically detected and forwarded to the subscribers:

  • Adding columns.

    Note that you’re not allowed to add an identity column to a replicated table.

  • Dropping columns.

    You cannot drop primary key column(s).

    You cannot drop the column added by replication for immediate updating subscriptions.

  • Changing column data type, column name, length, precision, and scale.

    Certain changes are not permitted, but this limitation isn’t specific to replicated tables. For example, you can’t change a column with VARCHAR data type to an INT if you already have string values in the table. You’ll have to explicitly drop the column and add it back with the new data type.

    You cannot change primary key columns.

  • Adding and dropping foreign keys; replication automatically detects if the referenced table exists on the subscriber.

    Note that you can configure replicating foreign key constraints and other schema-related options from the Article Properties dialog box. If you make changes to Article Properties after subscriptions are created, you must create a new snapshot for changes to take effect.

    Foreign keys are added on the subscriber with the NOT FOR REPLICATION option.

  • Using the ALTER TRIGGER statement; note that CREATE TRIGGER and DROP TRIGGER aren’t replicated until a new snapshot is delivered to the subscriber(s).

Certain commands are not replicated:

  • Adding and dropping indexes.

    This isn’t a huge issue because you might need different indexes on the publisher and subscriber.

  • Constraints that include non-deterministic functions.

To add a column without adding it to the publication (vertical partitioning), turn off replicating schema changes.

InformIT Promotional Mailings & Special Offers

I would like to receive exclusive offers and hear about products from InformIT and its family of brands. I can unsubscribe at any time.

Overview


Pearson Education, Inc., 221 River Street, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, (Pearson) presents this site to provide information about products and services that can be purchased through this site.

This privacy notice provides an overview of our commitment to privacy and describes how we collect, protect, use and share personal information collected through this site. Please note that other Pearson websites and online products and services have their own separate privacy policies.

Collection and Use of Information


To conduct business and deliver products and services, Pearson collects and uses personal information in several ways in connection with this site, including:

Questions and Inquiries

For inquiries and questions, we collect the inquiry or question, together with name, contact details (email address, phone number and mailing address) and any other additional information voluntarily submitted to us through a Contact Us form or an email. We use this information to address the inquiry and respond to the question.

Online Store

For orders and purchases placed through our online store on this site, we collect order details, name, institution name and address (if applicable), email address, phone number, shipping and billing addresses, credit/debit card information, shipping options and any instructions. We use this information to complete transactions, fulfill orders, communicate with individuals placing orders or visiting the online store, and for related purposes.

Surveys

Pearson may offer opportunities to provide feedback or participate in surveys, including surveys evaluating Pearson products, services or sites. Participation is voluntary. Pearson collects information requested in the survey questions and uses the information to evaluate, support, maintain and improve products, services or sites, develop new products and services, conduct educational research and for other purposes specified in the survey.

Contests and Drawings

Occasionally, we may sponsor a contest or drawing. Participation is optional. Pearson collects name, contact information and other information specified on the entry form for the contest or drawing to conduct the contest or drawing. Pearson may collect additional personal information from the winners of a contest or drawing in order to award the prize and for tax reporting purposes, as required by law.

Newsletters

If you have elected to receive email newsletters or promotional mailings and special offers but want to unsubscribe, simply email information@informit.com.

Service Announcements

On rare occasions it is necessary to send out a strictly service related announcement. For instance, if our service is temporarily suspended for maintenance we might send users an email. Generally, users may not opt-out of these communications, though they can deactivate their account information. However, these communications are not promotional in nature.

Customer Service

We communicate with users on a regular basis to provide requested services and in regard to issues relating to their account we reply via email or phone in accordance with the users' wishes when a user submits their information through our Contact Us form.

Other Collection and Use of Information


Application and System Logs

Pearson automatically collects log data to help ensure the delivery, availability and security of this site. Log data may include technical information about how a user or visitor connected to this site, such as browser type, type of computer/device, operating system, internet service provider and IP address. We use this information for support purposes and to monitor the health of the site, identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents and appropriately scale computing resources.

Web Analytics

Pearson may use third party web trend analytical services, including Google Analytics, to collect visitor information, such as IP addresses, browser types, referring pages, pages visited and time spent on a particular site. While these analytical services collect and report information on an anonymous basis, they may use cookies to gather web trend information. The information gathered may enable Pearson (but not the third party web trend services) to link information with application and system log data. Pearson uses this information for system administration and to identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents, appropriately scale computing resources and otherwise support and deliver this site and its services.

Cookies and Related Technologies

This site uses cookies and similar technologies to personalize content, measure traffic patterns, control security, track use and access of information on this site, and provide interest-based messages and advertising. Users can manage and block the use of cookies through their browser. Disabling or blocking certain cookies may limit the functionality of this site.

Do Not Track

This site currently does not respond to Do Not Track signals.

Security


Pearson uses appropriate physical, administrative and technical security measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use and disclosure.

Children


This site is not directed to children under the age of 13.

Marketing


Pearson may send or direct marketing communications to users, provided that

  • Pearson will not use personal information collected or processed as a K-12 school service provider for the purpose of directed or targeted advertising.
  • Such marketing is consistent with applicable law and Pearson's legal obligations.
  • Pearson will not knowingly direct or send marketing communications to an individual who has expressed a preference not to receive marketing.
  • Where required by applicable law, express or implied consent to marketing exists and has not been withdrawn.

Pearson may provide personal information to a third party service provider on a restricted basis to provide marketing solely on behalf of Pearson or an affiliate or customer for whom Pearson is a service provider. Marketing preferences may be changed at any time.

Correcting/Updating Personal Information


If a user's personally identifiable information changes (such as your postal address or email address), we provide a way to correct or update that user's personal data provided to us. This can be done on the Account page. If a user no longer desires our service and desires to delete his or her account, please contact us at customer-service@informit.com and we will process the deletion of a user's account.

Choice/Opt-out


Users can always make an informed choice as to whether they should proceed with certain services offered by InformIT. If you choose to remove yourself from our mailing list(s) simply visit the following page and uncheck any communication you no longer want to receive: www.informit.com/u.aspx.

Sale of Personal Information


Pearson does not rent or sell personal information in exchange for any payment of money.

While Pearson does not sell personal information, as defined in Nevada law, Nevada residents may email a request for no sale of their personal information to NevadaDesignatedRequest@pearson.com.

Supplemental Privacy Statement for California Residents


California residents should read our Supplemental privacy statement for California residents in conjunction with this Privacy Notice. The Supplemental privacy statement for California residents explains Pearson's commitment to comply with California law and applies to personal information of California residents collected in connection with this site and the Services.

Sharing and Disclosure


Pearson may disclose personal information, as follows:

  • As required by law.
  • With the consent of the individual (or their parent, if the individual is a minor)
  • In response to a subpoena, court order or legal process, to the extent permitted or required by law
  • To protect the security and safety of individuals, data, assets and systems, consistent with applicable law
  • In connection the sale, joint venture or other transfer of some or all of its company or assets, subject to the provisions of this Privacy Notice
  • To investigate or address actual or suspected fraud or other illegal activities
  • To exercise its legal rights, including enforcement of the Terms of Use for this site or another contract
  • To affiliated Pearson companies and other companies and organizations who perform work for Pearson and are obligated to protect the privacy of personal information consistent with this Privacy Notice
  • To a school, organization, company or government agency, where Pearson collects or processes the personal information in a school setting or on behalf of such organization, company or government agency.

Links


This web site contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of each and every web site that collects Personal Information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this web site.

Requests and Contact


Please contact us about this Privacy Notice or if you have any requests or questions relating to the privacy of your personal information.

Changes to this Privacy Notice


We may revise this Privacy Notice through an updated posting. We will identify the effective date of the revision in the posting. Often, updates are made to provide greater clarity or to comply with changes in regulatory requirements. If the updates involve material changes to the collection, protection, use or disclosure of Personal Information, Pearson will provide notice of the change through a conspicuous notice on this site or other appropriate way. Continued use of the site after the effective date of a posted revision evidences acceptance. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about the Privacy Notice or any objection to any revisions.

Last Update: November 17, 2020