SQL Server: BACPAC and DACPAC

BACPAC = DACPAC + data

A bacpac includes the schema and data from the database. A dacpac containers only the schema and not the data.

- DACPAC is useful for capturing and deploying only schema, including creating new database or upgrading an existing database. The primary use of DACPAC can be to move the tested schema from test environment to production environment OR bringing production schema back to test environment for troubleshooting (or any other purpose).

- BACPAC file is useful for capturing the schema and data both. It is mainly used for Import (from bacpac to database) and Export (from database to bacpac) of database.