title: Painless database schema changes
body: <p>Saw this: <a href="https://stackoverflow.com/questions/778317/need-a-better-way-to-manage-database-schema-changes">Need a better way to manage database schema changes</a></p>
  
  <p>Anything that can be done for MySQL?</p>
  
  <p>Right now, if there's a schema change, I have to take down prod for a bit, look at the diffs, apply the changes manually, and then run data migration/conversion scripts.</p>
  
  <p>Would love to know if there are methods/tools out there that can lessen the pain.</p>