Add column to a versioned feature class

[GhassanKarwchan]

Hi.
How can I add a column to a feature class that is versioned in an enterprise arcsde 9.3.1 database?
what are the steps?
I want to do it through scripts only, so I can give it to the dba to run it.
it doesn't matter it is Python script, sql, or whatever.
do we need to delete all active versions, and compress the database?

[T__WayneWhitley]

I don't know if you already have your answer, but here's some info:
1- No, you won't have to 'un-version' or delete your versioning.
2- You will have to establish an exclusive schema lock and have the necessary admin privileges to make the changes - from what you're saying you want to add a field (and that's what the data management geoprocessing tool is called, Add Field).

Here's an article, link is below -- something you'll have to be careful with is you can't apply the required exclusive lock until shared locks are relinquished, as I understand it.  So, if another user (or a map service, etc) is just viewing the data, that's likely applied 1 shared lock...there can be multiple shared locks (only 1 exclusive lock is allowed of course so that there is no conflict in editing the schema).

FAQ:  What schema changes can be made to versioned data?
http://support.esri.com/en/knowledgebase/techarticles/detail/29885

...hope that helps.

Enjoy,
Wayne