Skeema

Skeema is an open-source command-line tool for managing MySQL and MariaDB database schemas. It enables declarative schema management by storing the desired schema state as SQL definitions in a local directory and synchronizing that state with one or more remote servers. The local representation is organized by database or schema, with a configuration file describing connection details for each target server.

Skeema can inspect a live database to obtain its current schema, compare it with the local files, and produce a plan showing what would change to align the live schema with the local definitions. It supports a dry-run mode to preview changes and offers safe deployment options. It can pull the current live schema into the local directory to initialize or refresh definitions and can push changes from local files to target servers to apply alterations.

Typical workflow involves developers editing local SQL files that describe tables, indexes, views, and other objects; they run a diff to review changes and, once approved, push the changes to staging or production servers. Skeema generates and executes the necessary DDL statements to bring the remote schema in line with the local definitions. It supports managing multiple servers and environments from a single project.

Skeema targets MySQL and MariaDB and focuses on schema objects rather than data migrations or complex server-side configurations. Some migrations may require manual adjustments or review for compatibility and rollout safety. The project is maintained as open-source and is commonly used in DevOps and CI/CD workflows, often in conjunction with version-controlled schema directories.