When opening SQL Server Management Studio, you should connect to your server, expand the Databases node and then expand the node corresponding to the database you want to work with. The diagrams are grouped together under the corresponding database node. Diagrams are seen as regular objects of a database, just like tables and stored procedures, for instance. Where to Find DDss.ĭD is part of SQL Server Management Studio 2008.
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You can create tables, fields and their data types, primary and foreign keys, implement your favorite object naming convention and so on.īelow I will show you some simple examples on how to use DDs with SQL Server 2008.
It is actually an important part of my personal toolbox.ĭD is not limited to show the existing model it allows you to create your database model from scratch. In one phrase, it gives you the ability to see the big picture.Īs a DBA, I use DDs every time to learn more about databases I work with. But it gives you a fast and inexpensive way to analyze and understand your database's physical model.
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All in all, it doesn't matter how "fast" your application can store data if the data itself is not what it should be.ĭD is not intended to be a full database modeling tool, and neither is it designed to be a powerful diagramming tool as VISIO. Data types, primary keys, foreign keys, alternate and/or surrogate keys exist to assure data quality. Don't think a user friendly tool is useless just because it is simple.įirst of all, we have to keep in mind that database modeling and data integrity is really serious stuff. If you also believe DDs is not worthy your time, think again.
Many people didn't ever even take a look at it. In fact, DDs is available in all SQL Server editions, including SQL Server EXPRESS, the free one.ĭD is usually seen as a cosmetic feature. It has existed on the SQL Server bundle for quite a while, and it is still there in SQL Server 2008. One of my favorites is the Database Diagram tool (which I will call DDs from now on). SQL Server has several built-in tools that are poorly used by most developers, DBAs and Database Architects. And it is not different with database models. Personally I learn a lot faster when I can visualize what I am talking about.
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