Automated MS SQL Server Tables → PostgreSQL Converter — Bulk Migration Ready

Lightweight MS SQL Server Tables to PostgreSQL Converter for Developers and DBAs

What it is

A compact, focused tool that converts MS SQL Server tables (schema and data) into PostgreSQL-compatible tables, aimed at developers and DBAs who need quick, reliable migrations without heavy enterprise overhead.

Key features

• Schema conversion: Maps SQL Server data types, primary/foreign keys, indexes, constraints, and default values to PostgreSQL equivalents.
• Data migration: Bulk transfers table data with batching and transactional safety to minimize downtime.
• Type mapping presets: Built-in rules for common types (e.g., varchar→varchar, datetime→timestamp) with ability to customize mappings.
• Constraint handling: Converts or recreates PKs, FKs, UNIQUE constraints, and CHECK constraints; offers options to defer or reapply constraints during data load.
• Index migration: Recreates supporting indexes in PostgreSQL; supports partial and expression indexes where applicable.
• Character set & encoding: Ensures correct encoding (UTF-8) conversion and handles collation differences.
• Performance options: Parallel data streams, configurable batch sizes, and COPY/pg_bulkload support for high-volume loads.
• Logging & reporting: Detailed migration logs, summary reports of converted schema, skipped items, and errors.
• Rollback & validation: Pre/post-migration data counts, checksums, and optional row-level validation.
• Lightweight distribution: Single executable or small install, minimal dependencies, CLI and simple GUI for quick use.
• Security: Encrypted connections to both databases, credential handling, and role mapping guidance.

Typical workflow

1. Connect to source MS SQL Server and target PostgreSQL (credentials/config).
2. Auto-scan selected databases/tables and generate a conversion preview.
3. Adjust type mappings, constraint handling, and performance settings if needed.
4. Run schema conversion, review generated DDL, and apply to target.
5. Migrate data in batches with progress and logging.
6. Run validation checks and apply post-migration cleanup (rebuild indexes, analyze).

When to choose this tool

• Small-to-medium migrations where simplicity and speed matter.
• Developers or DBAs needing a low-overhead, scriptable solution.
• Projects where full-featured enterprise tools are unnecessary or too heavy.

Limitations to watch for

• Complex stored procedures, triggers, and T-SQL-specific logic typically require manual porting.
• Advanced SQL Server features (e.g., SQL CLR, Service Broker) aren’t auto-converted.
• Certain type or collation edge cases may need custom mapping.