[Lazarus] Visual database design software

[Michael Van Canneyt]

On Thu, 28 May 2009, Graeme Geldenhuys wrote:

> Hi,
>
> I have been using Dezign for Database v2.5.2 for years, but it's
> getting a bit dated now. I know newer versions exist, but it's rather
> expensive.
>
>  http://opensoft.homeip.net/~graemeg/dezign_for_databases.png
>
> Has anybody created something like this using Lazarus, or even thought
> about creating something like this. I think it will be a nice future
> extension to Lazarus Data Desktop.

It is planned, but it is one thing among many.

>
> What software do you guys use to design your databases? Yes I know I
> can use gEdit, Notepad and pen & paper, but what's the fun in that.

For firebird, I use IBAdmin (now called Firebird & Interbase studio) 
since years:
http://www.sqlly.com
very good, but commercial. There is even a linux version 
(created at my request, many years ago, in Kylix)

> Doing it visually is so much easier, quicker etc..  The nice thing
> about Dezign for Databases is that one database design can be used to
> generate create scripts for various databases (Oracle, MySQL,
> MS-Acces, Interbase, etc..) plus you can tweak the supported
> definitions and types for each DB backend. This is how I managed to
> stretch v2.5.2 for so many years, even though it doesn't even know
> about Firebird DB. :-)

Well, the lazarus data desktop is meant just to do this kind of thing 
- just create a Data dictionary - but it lacks a visual interface. 
All data structures are there, there is code to make a diff between 2 
databases and whatnot. The visual interface is the last thing that is needed.

Michael.