Just as with application code, insights into the quality of database schema changes can be gathered through testing. Links to performing tests on database schemas can be found at the end of this chapter.

In most cases, in order to fully cover the risks introduced by database changes, system tests are needed that execute against a fully deployed stack of the application. This type of test can cover most of the risks that come from faulty schemas, invalid stored procedures, and database and application code mismatches.