Schema Migrations
Schema migrations are a systematic approach to managing incremental changes to a database schema over time, such as adding tables, modifying columns, or updating constraints. They enable developers to version-control database structures alongside application code, ensuring consistency across development, testing, and production environments. This process typically involves creating and applying migration scripts that define the changes and can be rolled back if needed.
Developers should learn and use schema migrations to maintain database integrity and facilitate collaborative development, especially in agile or continuous deployment workflows. They are essential for applications with evolving data models, such as web apps, SaaS platforms, or microservices, where schema changes must be tracked and applied reliably without data loss. Migrations help prevent issues like schema drift and enable seamless updates during deployments.