Open DACPAC File
DACPAC is a Windows Data-tier Application Component Project file that is used fundamentally to hold the databases schema and some specific kinds of data. It is a compiled representation of SQL Server objects which can be utilized for SQL Server database deployment and versioning. The DACPAC file includes all of the SQL Server objects that might be incorporated in a database, like the tables, views, stored procedures, user-defined types, and triggers.
The DACPAC File Format
A DACPAC is a binary file that is built by compiling a SQL Server project in Visual Studio. It is in the form of .dacpac extension file which adopts a zip file format. You can verify this by renaming the .dacpac file to have a .zip extension and unzipping it, which would reveal the original XML contents used to create the schema objects.
More information on the DACPAC file format and how to use it can be found on Microsoft's official Data-tier Applications page.
Opening DACPAC Files
In order to open a DACPAC file, you would need a DAC Framework, that you can avail with SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) or Visual studio. You can use the SQL Server Object Explorer in Visual Studio or connect to a database in SQL Server Management Studio, then import the data-tier application from a DACPAC. You can also use command line utilities such as SqlPackage.exe and sqlcmd.exe.
Visit Microsoft's official SqlPackage page or sqlcmd utility page for more information.
DACPACs and the SQL Server Data Tools
SQL Server Data Tools in Visual Studio allows users to generate DACPAC files from a database, or compare the schema of a database to the schema contained in a DACPAC. They also provide an interface for deploying a DACPAC to a database, directly within the Visual Studio.
Learn more on Microsoft's official SQL Server Data Tools page.
DACPAC File Important Information
In essence, the DACPAC has proved to be a valuable tool in facilitating database deployment and management. It simplifies the processes of migrating database changes along with source control in the schema of SQL Server databases. However, it should be noted that a DACPAC file doesnt contain multiple instances of an object, application role passwords, extended properties, or data.
The potential of DACPACs can be best realized when integrated properly into a comprehensive DevOps strategy. Always make sure to check the DACPAC file contents before deploying, and to use appropriate version control methods to avoid data incongruence.
Visit Microsoft's official Data-tier Applications page for more safety and best practice steps.