One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates
merging different versions of a database object. During operation, the
system receives metadata associated with a first version of a database
object and a second version of the database object. The system then
compares metadata associated with the first version with metadata
associated with the second version to create a difference report. Next,
the system uses the different report to create an action plan that
specifies how to merge the metadata associated with the first and second
versions of the metadata object.