Snapshot Agent- The Snapshot Agent is used with all types of replication. It prepares the schema and the initial bulk
copy files of published tables and other objects, stores the snapshot files, and records information about
synchronization in the distribution database. The Snapshot Agent runs at the Distributor.
Log Reader Agent – The Log Reader Agent is used with transactional replication. It moves transactions marked for
replication from the transaction log on the Publisher to the distribution database. Each database published using
transactional replication has its own Log Reader Agent that runs on the Distributor and connects to the Publisher (the
Distributor can be on the same computer as the Publisher)
Distribution Agent – The Distribution Agent is used with snapshot replication and transactional replication. It applies
the initial snapshot to the Subscriber and moves transactions held in the distribution database to Subscribers. The
Distribution Agent runs at either the Distributor for push subscriptions or at the Subscriber for pull subscriptions.
Merge Agent – The Merge Agent is used with merge replication. It applies the initial snapshot to the Subscriber and
moves and reconciles incremental data changes that occur. Each merge subscription has its own Merge Agent that
connects to both the Publisher and the Subscriber and updates both. The Merge Agent runs at either the Distributor
for push subscriptions or the Subscriber for pull subscriptions.
Queue Reader Agent – The Queue Reader Agent is used with transactional replication with the queued updating
option. The agent runs at the Distributor and moves changes made at the Subscriber back to the Publisher. Unlike the
Distribution Agent and the Merge Agent, only one instance of the Queue Reader Agent exists to service all Publishers
and publications for a given distribution database.
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