Alter Procedure

  • Hello All,

    I am a DBA and have noticed that some of the developers have started using the "Alter Procedure" command when releasing code.

    However when i examine the sysobjects table (the crdate field in particular) there is no reference to the procedure ever changing.

    Anyone have any ideas on this problem?

  • CRDATE is CREATE DATE which never changes on an object updated with ALTER. AT this point SQL does not have a LAST MODIFIED DATE field and does not update anything with that type of regard. The only way to have the CRDATE update is do a DROP and CREATE however this is not suggested on a production system since the system can be live and runnig while the ALTER is performed. COnsider having the developers put a header comment in their code with name and date so you have a reference. And as a DBA I suggest the developers not be allowed to directly update a production server for many various reasons including the "who done it" scenario unless you have quality checks and change management in place. And when using the DBA makes changes approach as is best, make sure it is not overly complicated.

  • Also you can manage versions with Stored procedure, but it is not so confortable.

  • It is best to complete the DDL jobs on production and testing server only by DBA.

  • Linda,

    Antares stated it best. What I always do is use a script that is kept in a source controlled environment to change any of my database objects. In this way I have the ability to keep track of the changes. Since my database is replicated use of the ALTER syntax is a must!

    Gary Johnson

    Microsoft Natural Language Group

    DBA, Sr. DB Engineer




    Gary Johnson
    Microsoft Natural Language Group
    DBA, Sr. DB Engineer

    This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and may not reflect that of my employer.

  • Thanks for all the replies ...

    We use change controls and sourcesafe to manage changes.

    The reason for the question was that I was rolling out the changes and could not see any changes in sysobjects, hence I was a bit worried somethign odd was going on

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