Validate database integrity throughout software deployment

[PaulKuykendall]

Issue description

Create a test, to be run during (before and after) the deployment process, which can detect any unexpected changes to the database as a result of a software deployment. (Validate database integrity)

Acceptance criteria

• A procedure can be easily used by anyone deploying a database change which will indicate any unexpected changes to the database contents or model.
• The procedure is incorporated into the software deployment process.
• Investigate options and make recommendations

Additional context

During the incident of July 9, 2024, where a database column was in advertently deleted from a table, resulting in data loss, it was proposed that a test be devised and implemented, which would take a snapshot of a section of data prior to deployment, and then compared to a subsequent snapshot of the same section after deployment, to ensure that no data was altered or lost in the process of deployment.

This is a result of this Action Item.

Suggest reading data, using regular methods that the registrar would normally use, for a wide-enough variety of fields and tables before and after a deployment, so that any changes to columns, data, or names would be detected.

Links to other issues

No response