Database Migration Tools
Database migration tools are software utilities that automate and manage changes to database schemas, such as creating, altering, or dropping tables, columns, and indexes. They enable version-controlled, repeatable, and reversible database deployments, ensuring consistency across development, testing, and production environments. These tools typically use migration scripts written in SQL or a domain-specific language to track and apply incremental changes.
Developers should learn and use database migration tools when building applications that require evolving database structures, as they prevent manual errors, support team collaboration, and facilitate continuous integration/deployment pipelines. Specific use cases include managing schema changes in agile development cycles, rolling back failed deployments, and maintaining database state across multiple environments like staging and production.