How to Backup Stored Procedure in SQL Server Along with Triggers?

Nowadays we all are aware of the process to backup our SQL Database using several methods. However, when it comes to backup specific data objects, the things might get tricky. Users often get stuck with queries like how to backup Stored Procedure in SQL Server or how to backup Triggers in SQL Server database. Well, the process of backup is somewhat similar to the whole database with some minor changes.

When users attempt to backup their data without knowing these minor changes, huge differences can be found between the targeted results & actual results. Therefore, this article is going to include all of the information a user might require to backup data objects like Triggers or Stored Procedures in SQL database.

Although, it’s utmost significant to understand the users’ queries and their need for this operation. With the agenda crystal clear in our minds, we can easily achieve the desired results without any errors.

SQL Trigger Backup & Stored Procedure Backup Queries

Now, the requirements of every user can be different because of the differences present in every business. However, the process is more or less the same. But in some cases, the process might differ due to saving the time & resources of users.

Below are some of the user queries mentioned with a little explanations:

Here, in the first query image, we can see that the user wants to backup not just the Triggers, but also Stored Procedures as well as functions. The agenda for this requirement is to use these data objects in another database. This will help us later when we backup Triggers SQL Server with Stored Procedures.

This time users need to backup only Triggers but with one condition. The condition here is that users need to create a single file for each Trigger. Also, the user stated that he does not require tables, but only the Triggers of each table. Let’s proceed further to understand other needs of users.

Why do Users Need to Backup SQL Triggers & Stored Procedures?

Now, here we are going to discuss why it is crucial for businesses to backup their Triggers & Stored Procedures. Different users can have different requirements but more or less, the reason is pretty much the same.

• To Maintain Data Integrity: We all know that Stored Procedures, Triggers, Function, etc are the data items that consist of the business logic vitals & must be kept with utmost protection. There should not be any leniency in the data integrity here.
• As A Backup for Emergency: There are times when users accidentally delete or alter the data files. Also, sudden file corruption can also hamper the work of users. Therefore, a backup of these objects is proven fruitful for users.
• Updation of Database Objects: With time, we can see evolutionary changes in such data objects. Knowing how to backup Stored Procedure in SQL Server can help users understand the logic, trend, uses & other stats that are affected with time.
• For Mimicking Database properties: There are cases for users when they want to make similar changes from one database to another one. In other words, rather than migrating actual data, users only need these data objects in many cases.
• Auditing, Compliance & Legal Matters: Users often ensure compliance with regulations, internal policies, laws, etc. Therefore, Triggers play a significant role here. Thus, having a backup is like having an edge to not stop the regular tasks.

Also Read: How to Retrieve Truncated Table in SQL Without Errors?

All Available Methods to Backup SQL Stored Procedures & Triggers in SQL

The real question starts from here that asks what are the actual methods available for users to get the desired solution without any hassles. To answer this we can say that we have several ways as per users with different needs. In total we have 3 ways that are mentioned below:

• SSMS Method – Mostly suited with users with very less requirements & small data to backup. Stores data in .SQL file.
• T-SQL Method – Suited for users with best technical knowledge. Used for getting customized results but complex commands need to be performed.
• Automated Method (MVPs Recommended) – Most suited to all kinds of users as it offers an interactive GUI meaning no commands needed. Works fine with large databases, customization, & possesses plenty of features.

SSMS Method for Stored Procedures & SQL Trigger Backup

SSMS or SQL Server Management Studio is what that users need to get first. Also, an active SQL Server license is compulsory for this method. All that users need to do is just launch their SSMS application & connect to their database instance. Follow the below steps to get the desired solution.

1. Expand the Database option >> Right Click on Database Option
2. Click on Tasks >> Click Generate Scripts option to proceed further.
3. Go to Choose Options tab >> Select data items like Triggers, SP, etc.
4. Switch to Set Scripting Options tab >> Adjust the Settings as needed.
5. Set the Destination also and Click the Finish button to complete this task.

T-SQL Commands to Backup SP & Triggers

It’s time to go pro. Here, we have the T-SQL method that is the second most favourable one for experts. The reason for it being so favourable is because of having the options to customize the results. Let’s have a look at these commands one after another.

T-SQL Command to Backup SQL Stored Procedures

USE NameOfDatabase;


DECLARE @ProcedureName NVARCHAR(128);
DECLARE @BackupPath NVARCHAR(256);
DECLARE @BackupFileName NVARCHAR(256);
DECLARE @Command NVARCHAR(1000);


SET @BackupPath = 'C:\BackupPath\'; -- Set your backup path here


DECLARE ProcedureCursor CURSOR FOR
SELECT name
FROM sys.procedures;


OPEN ProcedureCursor;


FETCH NEXT FROM ProcedureCursor INTO @ProcedureName;


WHILE @@FETCH_STATUS = 0
BEGIN
    SET @BackupFileName = @BackupPath + @ProcedureName + '.sql';
    SET @Command = 'SCRIPT PROCEDURE ' + @ProcedureName + ' TO ''' + @BackupFileName + '''';
    EXEC (@Command);

    FETCH NEXT FROM ProcedureCursor INTO @ProcedureName;
END


CLOSE ProcedureCursor;
DEALLOCATE ProcedureCursor;

How to Backup Triggers in SQL Server with T-SQL Command

USE NameOfDatabase;


DECLARE @ObjectName NVARCHAR(128);
DECLARE @ObjectType NVARCHAR(50);
DECLARE @BackupPath NVARCHAR(256);
DECLARE @BackupFileName NVARCHAR(256);
DECLARE @Command NVARCHAR(1000);


SET @BackupPath = 'C:\BackupPath\'; -- Set your backup path here


DECLARE ObjectCursor CURSOR FOR
SELECT name, type_desc
FROM sys.objects
WHERE type IN ('P', 'TR'); -- 'P' for procedures, 'TR' for Triggers


OPEN ObjectCursor;


FETCH NEXT FROM ObjectCursor INTO @ObjectName, @ObjectType;


WHILE @@FETCH_STATUS = 0
BEGIN
    IF @ObjectType = 'SQL_STORED_PROCEDURE'
        SET @BackupFileName = @BackupPath + 'Procedure_' + @ObjectName + '.sql';
    ELSE IF @ObjectType = 'SQL_Trigger'
        SET @BackupFileName = @BackupPath + 'Trigger_' + @ObjectName + '.sql';

    SET @Command = 'SCRIPT ' + @ObjectType + ' ' + @ObjectName + ' TO ''' + @BackupFileName + '''';
    EXEC (@Command);

    FETCH NEXT FROM ObjectCursor INTO @ObjectName, @ObjectType;
END


CLOSE ObjectCursor;
DEALLOCATE ObjectCursor;

Also, there is one way to get Triggers backup. Remember that a users asked to have individual Triggers backup. To address his problem users should follow the below steps:

1. Right Click Database in SSMS application.
2. Select Start PowerShell option to proceed.
3. Enter the following command:
   

   Invoke-Sqlcmd 'SELECT name, OBJECT_DEFINITION(object_id) def FROM sys.Triggers'
   | % { $_.def | out-file "E:\Temp\$($_.name).sql" }

After this, the individual Triggers files will be saved in the E:\Temp location with Trigger name & .sql extension.

Backup Data Objects Using the Automated Software

As we are done with the manual solution including both SSMS & T-SQL, it’s time to step up. Therefore, now we are mentioning the automated software recommended by the Microsoft MVPs. The advanced SQL Database Recovery Tool is what users need to get for solving the entire problem with ease.

Download Now Purchase Now

Let’s understand how this solution is better than the other two & what benefits we can get.

So, the automated software is different from the other two commands as itv acts as a combination of those two. It offers customization like T-SQL but also provides interactive GUI like SSMS. In a nutshell, it simplifies the entire experience of SQL Trigger and Stored Procedure backup. Below are some of the features mentioned:

• Restore deleted or corrupted SQL Server data triggers & Stored Procedures.
• Allow recovery of other objects like views, columns, tables, schema, etc.
• Also allow users to repair highly damaged data objects in the database.
• Offers Quick & Advanced Scan for the data MDF & NDF data files.
• Can export the data in three formats:
  • Save in CSV Format as backup.
  • Save in SQL Script File (.sql) as backup.
  • Export data to a live SQL Server Database.
• Supports all SQL Server versions including the 2022.
• Supports all latest Windows OS & Windows Server OS.

How to Backup Stored Procedure & Triggers in SQL Server Step by Step

Step-1. Download & Install the advanced SQL Recovery Tool in your system.

Step-2. Launch Tool & Click the Open button to Add MDF & NDF files in it.

Step-3. Select Quick or Advanced Scan modes with the SQL Version too.

Step-4. Set Destination Location & Format (Server, CSV or, Script file). 

Step-5. Finally, Hit the Export/Save button to complete the tasks.

Conclusion

At last users can admit that they do know how to backup Triggers in SQL Server & also how to backup Stored Procedures in SQL Server databases. As we said in the beginning the process itself is very similar to backing up an entire database. However, this blog consists of those minor changes that users aren’t able to find at other places. They can use any of the three ways explained in this article to get their desired solution.

Moreover, if users are thinking that the article is now finished? No way. We still have FAQs left that represent common user queries. Let’s uncover them and understand a bit more about this field.

Also Read: Fix No Backupset Selected To be Restored Scenario

FAQs

Q-1. Are the Automated Tools free to use for Triggers & SP backup?

Ans: No, These software are not free but do provide a demo version which is free. In case of small data, users might be able to get the results. Otherwise, the above mentioned tool is quite affordable that too comes with a lifetime licence.

Q-2. How to recover a stored procedure in SQL Server?

Ans: Users can rely on the DBCC CHECKDB Command or the automated tool.

Q-3. Is it safe to rely on automated software?

Ans: Yes. As we said, Microsofts’ MVPs recommend this software for recovery of the damaged, lost, deleted, data objects. Moreover, it can easily back up the Stored procedures & Triggers also without compromising with data integrity. Here’s a video of a Microsoft MVP sharing a review of the tool.