ASP.NET MVC 4, Migrations - How to run 'update-database' on a production server

Question

I can use package manager to run \'update-database -verbose\' locally.

Probably a stupid question but I can\'t find it online - once my website is deployed - how can I r

Answer 1

A simple solution: running Update-Database from your local Package Manager Console providing a connection string parameter with the production connection string. You also have to provide the connection provider name (SqlServer in this example code):

Update-Database -ConnectionString  -ConnectionProviderName System.Data.SqlClient

Instead of the connection string you can use a connection string name present in your app.config file connectionStrings section:

Update-Database -ConnectionStringName 

You must have permissions to access that server from your local machine. For example, if you are able to connect to the server from a Sql Server Management Studio you can use this.

Note that this approach is not recommended for a real production system, you should use something like what is explained in the accepted answer. But it can help you with quick hacks in development remote servers, test environments, etc.