Migrating data from SQL Server to PostgreSQL

This guide will show you how to easily migrate data from SQL Server to PostgreSQL through a few simple steps with ESF Database Migration Toolkit, simplifying the complex migration processes and saving you valuable time.

SQL Server vs. PostgreSQL:

SQL Server is a robust relational database management system developed by Microsoft, designed for a wide range of data management applications. It supports a variety of transaction processing, business intelligence, and analytics applications in corporate IT environments. Known for its high performance, scalability, and security features, SQL Server offers comprehensive tools for database creation, management, and maintenance, making it a preferred choice for both small-scale applications and large enterprise systems. Its integration with other Microsoft products and services further enhances its versatility and ease of use.
PostgreSQL is a powerful, open-source relational database management system known for its reliability, robust feature set, and extensibility. It offers support for a wide range of data types, indexing techniques, and advanced features such as full-text search, JSON support, and geospatial data processing. With a strong emphasis on standards compliance and ACID compliance, PostgreSQL is widely used across various industries for handling complex data management tasks, from small-scale projects to large-scale enterprise applications. Its active community, frequent updates, and ecosystem of extensions contribute to its popularity and ongoing development.

Prerequisite:

Software Required:

DMToolkit_x64.zip (63.5 MiB)	64-bit Windows application for ESF Database Migration Toolkit 12.1.17 (2024-12-17). (md5: 258e3b3b2abe0f00400a7b832ad04381)
DMToolkit_win32.zip (58.8 MiB)	32-bit Windows application for ESF Database Migration Toolkit 12.1.17 (2024-12-17). (md5: db480c640b746fe5a1efaf042bd9d3ea)

System Supported:
- Windows 7 or higher.
- SQL Server 6.5 or higher.
- PostgreSQL 7.x or higher.

Step by Step Wizard:

In "Choose a Data Source" dialog, choose "Microsoft SQL Server";
- Enter the host name for the SQL Server, including the instance name if needed. Example: localhost\sqlexpress.
- If using TCP/IP, enter the server port number (default is 0, which means the pipe method is used), and provide a username (e.g. sa) and password.
- Check the "Windows Authentication" checkbox if using Windows authentication.
- Press the "Refresh Database" button to list all databases. You can choose an existing database or enter a new database name. The toolkit will automatically create the new database during the migration process.
- Press the "Refresh Schema" button to list all schemas. You can choose an existing schema or enter a new schema name. The toolkit will automatically create the new schema during the migration process. If left empty, the default is "dbo".
In "Choose a Destination" dialog, choose "PostgreSQL";
- Input the server name (default: localhost) and port (default: 5432).
- Input the username (default is "postgres") and its password.
- Select the target database character set (default is "UTF8"), it's important if the data contains non-ASCII characters e.g. German, French, Japanese.
- Select an existing database or input a new database name (click the 'Refresh' button to list all databases). If the target database does not exist, this tool will automatically create it during the migration process.
- Input/select the target PostgreSQL schema name (default is "public"), or press "Refresh Schema" button to list all schemas.
In "Select source Tables(s) & View(s)" dialog;
- Select the tables or views you want to migrate.
- You can access the table options or adjust the table structure by clicking the "..." button.
- In the "Field Mapping" option, you can customize the destination table's fields, such as field name, data type, default value, comment, and more. You also have the option to choose the data transfer method, including Overwrite Table, Empty Data, Append Data, or Skip Table, or even filter the data before transferring it.
In "Execution" Dialog;
- You can start the migration process by clicking "Submit". The toolkit will efficiently and seamlessly migrate your data from SQL Server to PostgreSQL without the need for manual intervention.
- To keep track of the migration process, you can access the full migration log by clicking "Browse Log". This will provide you with a comprehensive view of the entire migration, including any potential issues and their resolutions.
- To save time in the future, you can save the migration settings as a job file by clicking "Save as job". This allows you to quickly reload the migration job at a later time or run the migration job using the command-prompt by typing "dmtc.exe --help". The command-prompt provides you with a full list of parameters to customize the migration process to your specific needs.
Finished!

Upon completion, the toolkit will generate a comprehensive migration report, providing you with all the information you need to verify the accuracy and completeness of the migration process. So, you can sit back and relax while the program carries out the task efficiently. Should you have any inquiries or recommendations, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're always happy to help.