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Eagle_f90
Constraint Violating Yak Guru
424 Posts |
 Posted - 2010-08-10 : 12:58:17
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| I was wondering if anyone knew of a good and free program that gives you way to design your database and table structures before building a database. I am working on a project that will need at least 30 tables designed with lots of relations between them all and I wanted to draw it out to help make the process easier before building the actual SQL 2008 DB. An example of the interface I am looking for can be seen here: http://media.techtarget.com/digitalguide/images/Misc/m_studio_10.gif (it is a screen shot of the database diagram interface from Management Studio but I need something that works without the tables already existing in the server.-- If I get used to envying others...Those things about my self I pride will slowly fade away.-Stellvia |
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Kristen
Test
22859 Posts |
Posted - 2010-08-10 : 13:03:45
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Do you have some reason(s) not to use SSMS and a "sand pit" database ?Visio perhaps?Lots of swanky design tools available of course - but they may get in your way, rather than help, if this is a one-off / first-time design project (and if not I'd kinda expect that you already had an eye on the tools you've drooled over  ) |
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jackv
Master Smack Fu Yak Hacker
2179 Posts |
Posted - 2010-08-11 : 15:08:36
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| Have you checked Database designer?Jack Vamvas--------------------http://www.sqlserver-dba.com |
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Eagle_f90
Constraint Violating Yak Guru
424 Posts |
Posted - 2010-08-12 : 08:46:30
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quote:
Originally posted by Kristen
Do you have some reason(s) not to use SSMS and a "sand pit" database ?Visio perhaps?Lots of swanky design tools available of course - but they may get in your way, rather than help, if this is a one-off / first-time design project (and if not I'd kinda expect that you already had an eye on the tools you've drooled over )
I did not want to use a sand pit db simply because when ever I had to make changes to a table I would have to leave the diagram view and modify each table one by one. I was hoping to find a program where I could modify the tables right in the diagram viewing. I have considered Viso and will use that if needed but I was hoping to find something a bit more suited to the task.Jack, I have not checked out Database designer can you provide a link to the program your talking about a google search brings up to many results to know which one you are talking about.-- If I get used to envying others...Those things about my self I pride will slowly fade away.-Stellvia |
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Kristen
Test
22859 Posts |
Posted - 2010-08-12 : 09:07:39
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"when ever I had to make changes to a table I would have to leave the diagram view and modify each table one by one."I don't use the Diagram tool in SSMS, but when I did (some years ago) I though it was possible to just click a column (i.e. with the Design tool) and change it's properties (or add/delete a column) there-and-then ?? If I've got that right then sounds like that would suit your needs  . |
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Kristen
Test
22859 Posts |
Posted - 2010-08-12 : 09:16:00
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| OK, pipped my interest!In SSMS I made a diagram and created FKeys by Drag And Drop, added columns, changed data types, renamed columns, added PK, adding indexes etc.I couldn't figure out how to change column order (bit naughty to force that in relational model anyway!)Then I generated a Change SCript and threw the Diagram away. I might use that in future as a means of making a script |
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Eagle_f90
Constraint Violating Yak Guru
424 Posts |
Posted - 2010-08-12 : 10:04:59
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quote:
Originally posted by Kristen
OK, pipped my interest!In SSMS I made a diagram and created FKeys by Drag And Drop, added columns, changed data types, renamed columns, added PK, adding indexes etc.I couldn't figure out how to change column order (bit naughty to force that in relational model anyway!)Then I generated a Change SCript and threw the Diagram away. I might use that in future as a means of making a script
Cool, I have not had time to really mess with the diagram in SSMS between work and school. I was going to go out this weekend and start searching and messing. Sounds like SSMS does do what I am looking for.-- If I get used to envying others...Those things about my self I pride will slowly fade away.-Stellvia |
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GUI for designing tables and database structure?