How to backup PeopleSoft definitions from target database before migrations?

In this doodle, we will discuss how to backup PeopleSoft application designer definitions from target database before migrating the modified definitions from source database.

Many times I have seen developers migrate the modified definitions to other environments without creating proper backup and they have to perform some extra steps to have the original definitions restored. Below steps will ensure you to have good backup copy without using any third-party tools.

For easy understanding I will refer HRMS_DEV as source database and HRMS_PROD as target database in my below explanation.

Step 1: After all the required definitions are included in your PeopleSoft project (eg: HR_PROJECT) in HRMS_DEV database, go to upgrade tab in application designer and deselect the upgrade check box of all definitions. After this save the project.

Step 2: Migrate the project from HRMS_DEV to HRMS_PROD using application designer (Tools > Copy Project > To Database). As we have deselected the upgrade check box of all definitions in the project, only the structure of the project with definitions names alone will get copied.

Step 3: Login to HRMS_PROD database using application designer. Open the project HR_PROJECT. You will see all the definitions that you have added to this project in HRMS_DEV database. (Note: Modified definitions are not yet migrated, only structure of the project is migrated as of now).You can create a file backup of the project HR_PROJECT using application designer (Tools > Copy Project > To File).

On completing the step 3 you have file backup copy of the definitions that will be copied from HRMS_DEV.

Step 4: Login to HRMS_DEV and select the upgrade action of all the definitions and save the project. Now you can migrate the project from HRMS_DEV to HRMS_PROD. All modifications will reflect in HRMS_PROD database.

If in case you had any issue during business validation and decision is to restore the original definitions in HRMS_PROD then all you need to do is to import your file backup copy which you have created in step 3 in the above explanation.

Note: If you had any records or views in the project don't forget to rebuild or alter the definitions after restoring the original definitions.