Changes to distribution of command line
Published 13 December 2022
From SQL Compare 10.2.0.1337, the licensing model for the SQL Compare command line has changed. To use Redgate's command line tools as part of a Redgate Pipeline (an automated database change delivery process) a Flyway Enterprise, Redgate Deploy or SQL Toolbelt license is required. A SQL Toolbelt Essentials license is not sufficient for this use case. For more information, see the Product Specific Terms.
How does this affect my licensing?
If you are distributing the command line version to use with your own custom application (or you were previously distributing the command line), please contact our Sales team for assistance. You can then obtain the SQL Change Automation license that is required to run the distributed command line version of SQL Compare.
Does that mean my Professional version of SQL Compare will no longer allow me to use the command line?
No. The SQL Compare Professional license still allows you to run the command line on your own machine. However, a SQL Change Automation license (available as part of Redgate Deploy) is needed for deploying the command line to machines which are not your own, such as build servers. To cover such a case, everyone contributing to this automated process needs to be covered by their own Redgate Deploy license.
When running the command line version of SQL Compare, I see a message that the Automation license is a trial version. What does this mean?
This means that you are not licensed for Automation, which will prevent you from running the command line version of SQL Compare after the trial date ends, unless you have activated a Professional license for SQL Compare or Redgate Deploy.
How do I activate the new SQL Change Automation license?
Once you have received the proper Automation license required, you can activate the license on the machine that will be running the command line version of SQL Compare by executing the following command:
> sqlcompare.exe /activateSerial:123-123-123456-1234
