Generating Individual Files for Each Table with generate-changelog

Applies to

• Liquibase Secure (Pro)

Issue Description

When using the 'generate-changelog' command in Liquibase, some users need to create individual files for each database object, including tables. This organizational structure is especially important when establishing a baseline for existing projects being migrated to Liquibase, as it allows teams to maintain a clear history log for each object as changes are made over time.

Previously, Liquibase did not support generating separate files for each table or database object when running the 'generate-changelog' or 'diff-changelog' commands. While the command would create a main changelog and an "objects" folder with specific changelogs for certain object types (like foreign keys, views, etc.), it did not provide the ability to create individual files per table.

Note: When generating changelogs in SQL format, Liquibase does not create an "objects" directory at all. This behavior is by design, as the objects folder structure is only available when using other changelog formats (such as XML, YAML, or JSON).

Solution

This functionality has been implemented and is available starting in Liquibase Secure 5.0 (formerly Liquibase Pro).

New Parameter: object-changelogs

The new --object-changelogs parameter allows you to generate separate files and folders for each database object when using the generate-changelog and diff-changelog commands.

This parameter is available for:

• generate-changelog command
• diff-changelog command

How to Use

Add the --object-changelogs parameter to your command:

liquibase <command> --object-changelogs=all

Valid values: 

• all (generate changelogs for all object types)
• table (generate only for tables)
• view (generate only for views)
• dml (generate only for DML changes)
• none

Default value: 

• none

Additional Resources

• Liquibase Secure 5.0 Release Notes 
• generate-changelog Command Documentation 
• diff-changelog Command Documentation 

Upgrading to Liquibase Secure 5.0

If you're upgrading to Liquibase Secure 5.0 to access this feature, note the following important changes documented in New Distribution Channels for Liquibase Secure 5.0.