Data Modeling

Question

Data Modeling

TheRedneckDBA

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Points: 14001
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July 10, 2007 at 2:11 pm

#69846

Can anyone suggest a data modeling tool for SQL tables?
None of our tables have foreign keys implemented in the database (long story) so I'll probably have to diagram the relationships manually, so does anyone know a good tool that easily does that?
Thanks.
The Redneck DBA

Viewing 15 posts - 1 through 15 (of 18 total)

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Mark Harr SSCrazy Eights Points: 9921 More actions · Answer 1

I usually use Visio for this. If you are MSDN subscriber, it is included, and has Reverse Engineer utility to import your current database.

Hope this helps

Mark

Sugesh Kumar One Orange Chip Points: 27311 More actions · Answer 2

Use Quest DataModeller they have good options there. I have used it.

Cheers,
Sugeshkumar Rajendran
SQL Server MVP
http://sugeshkr.blogspot.com

Antares686 SSC Guru Points: 125444 More actions · Answer 3

Lot's of options just depends on the featurs you will need and the cost you are willing to put out. Visio works fine for my needs.

Murali-420858 Ten Centuries Points: 1076 More actions · Answer 4

You could also use ERWIN data modeller from CA.

You can chk out features from all those and choose it.

-=JLK=- SSCertifiable Points: 5315 More actions · Answer 5

My favorite and one I've been using for the last seven years or more, is PowerDesigner from Sybase. It's a mature and well rounded product but far from cheap. There are a lot of neat products out there but I've found you tend to get what you pay for. The most important aspect would be identifying the features you need and then comparing those products that include those features.

Just my $.02

James.

Anthony W. Marino-461069 Grasshopper Points: 23 More actions · Answer 6

I've been evaluating ER/Studio from Embarcadero...nice UI.

Anthony

MVDBA (Mike Vessey) SSC-Insane Points: 21797 More actions · Answer 7

redgate's "sql dependency"

http://www.red-gate.com/products/SQL_Dependency_Tracker/index.htm

It's great, but for large databases (i.e thousands of tables) it chews up graphics memory and slows your system. - best used with about 50 tables max

it will also display dependencies between procs views etc

MVDBA

Brandie Tarvin SSC Guru Points: 173061 More actions · Answer 8

Someone else suggested Computer Associate's Erwin diagram tool. I ditto this as it has a great feature I really enjoy using. Once you model your database, you can reverse engineer it into an actual database. It also has a Complete Compare tool which allows you to update the diagram based on your current database config or vice versa.

Brandie Tarvin, MCITP Database AdministratorLiveJournal Blog: http://brandietarvin.livejournal.com/[/url]On LinkedIn!, Google+, and Twitter.Freelance Writer: ShadowrunLatchkeys: Nevermore, Latchkeys: The Bootleg War, and Latchkeys: Roscoes in the Night are now available on Nook and Kindle.

Feifarek SSC Veteran Points: 257 More actions · Answer 9

My choice, and affordable, is Enterprise Architect (http://www.sparxsystems.com/). Can do much more than just the DB diagrams, but the Pro version does the database very well. Once I tried this I wouldn't ever deal with Visio again.

Bob Fazio SSChampion Points: 10794 More actions · Answer 10

Not a great tool, but one that at least give you a start. Diagrams in Enterprise Manager work.

WILLIAM MITCHELL SSChampion Points: 13766 More actions · Answer 11

If you're just going to do a one-time diagram, you could download a free trial of Visio 2007 Professional from here:

http://us1.trymicrosoftoffice.com/product.aspx?re_ms=oo&family=visioprofessional&culture=en-US

WILLIAM MITCHELL SSChampion Points: 13766 More actions · Answer 12

Bob, the OP stated that they did not have relationships in the database.

If you create a diagram in EM and draw a relationship, it will actually create the relationship in the database - don't think that's what the OP wanted to do.

David Zebrowitz Right there with Babe Points: 739 More actions · Answer 13

I've used Visio, ERWin, ER/Studio, and quite a few others.

By far, ER/Studio is the best tool out there. Embarcadero has a free trial available for it... or at least they did the last time I looked. You can reverse engineer the existing database and then draw all the relationships you want.

WILLIAM MITCHELL SSChampion Points: 13766 More actions · Answer 14

Jason, how are you going to approach modeling the db if there are no FK's?

I have a similar situation, working with the Microsoft Retail Management System (RMS) and was wondering if you have a game plan, or just going to figure it out as you go.