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apgdiff

Free#11 of 24 in Database Schema Comparison Tools

apgdiff: A focused, free PostgreSQL dump diff utility that produces upgrade-ready SQL. Ranked #11 of 24 in Database Schema Comparison Tools by our editors (7.7/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free PostgreSQL dump-file migration diffs.

7.7/10Editor score

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apgdiff7.7 Visit apgdiff

At a glance

Editor score
7.7 / 10
Pricing
Free plan
Best for
Free PostgreSQL dump-file migration diffs
Free plan
Yes
Paid from
Free
Migration scripts
Yes
Founded
2006
Facts checked
21 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Free and open source under the MIT license
- Covers tables, views, functions, triggers, rules, and more
- Produces SQL differences suitable for schema upgrades
Where it doesn't
- Focused on PostgreSQL rather than multiple database engines
- Command-line Java/Maven project with no stated platform coverage
- The project is mainly unmaintained

Our verdict on apgdiff

apgdiff is a free, open-source command-line utility for comparing PostgreSQL schema dump files and generating SQL differences for upgrading an older schema. It is intended for PostgreSQL developers and database teams that need file-based schema comparisons rather than a broader, multi-engine comparison platform. The project is implemented as a Java/Maven project and dates to 2006, with distribution under the MIT license.

Its strongest area is PostgreSQL object coverage. apgdiff compares tables, views, sequences, functions, triggers, rules, extensions, types, and foreign tables, while also handling grants, revokes, and object ownership changes. Options can ignore Slony triggers or schema-creation statements, and the tool can output statements that it otherwise ignores. These capabilities make it suited to migration workflows where the desired result is SQL that can support a schema upgrade, rather than only a visual comparison.

The trade-off is a narrow scope and limited maintenance signal. The category specification identifies a single-engine focus, and the project is mainly unmaintained, although bug fixes and pull requests may still be considered. That combination makes apgdiff a sensible choice for teams working specifically with PostgreSQL dump files and comfortable with a command-line Java/Maven project. Teams needing broader database coverage, a wider platform ecosystem, or a more actively maintained product should choose another database schema comparison tool.

Your product? Our editors can test apgdiff in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

apgdiff pricing

Plans Free planFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.

See plans on github.com

apgdiff fact sheet

Free plan	Yes
Paid from	Free
Migration scripts	Yes
Database scope	Single-engine
Source control	Not verified
CI/CD integration	Not verified
Scheduled comparisons	Not verified
Supported platforms	Not verified
Support	Email, Community
Pricing	Free plan
Website	github.com
Facts checked	21 Sep 2026

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Featured on iTechGuides

apgdiff is listed in our Database Schema Comparison Tools directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update