Video : ER/Studio Data Architect
Reverse Engineer Databases
Reverse engineering databases via data modeling is important because it allows for the reconstruction of the logical and conceptual schemas of a legacy database or a set of files from various information sources. Such information sources include data dictionary contents, database contents, the source code of application programs that use the database, and others.
We can use reverse engineering databases via data modeling to address data disintegration problems by combining structured data analysis techniques with rigorous data management practices. It is also useful for creating new target databases, designing data movement, and comparing models to make decisions.
Reverse engineering databases to unified modeling language (UML) models is relevant for evolution and maintenance of legacy systems where suitable documentation is not available, which makes maintenance difficult. This process is essential to ensure that we document the database and that we can maintain and update the database in the future.
Watch this video to discover how ER/Studio can help you reverse engineer your databases
Transcript
00:07
How to Reverse Engineer with ER/Studio
Hello. I will go over getting started with ER/Studio by reverse engineering an existing database. In the menu bar, click file new. Select reverse engineer an existing database. Click log in. You can connect to various data storage platforms with ODBC, or using one of the native connections. As you can see, I have a SQL Server database that I wish to model on my local machine, and I will choose that. Select and enter the proper credentials and click Next. Now you are able to select the database as well as the objects you wish to model. When finished, click next. The next screen shows exactly what objects will be included in the model. Click Next. If you are unfamiliar with this database, you may wish to infer the keys and indexes. In case they weren’t defined in the database, it is often the best practice to infer domains.
01:20
Physical Data Model
Choose your layout option. It defaults to circular as this is the quickest to render. You can leave that for now and change it later in the model. If you choose click Next, you can now choose the type of physical model, either relational or dimensional. This is relational. You can also choose a naming standards template if you have one. If you are going to do this many more times, it may be a good idea to click Save as to save the settings for this wizard. The next time you will only need to select this file on the page one of the wizard. Click Finish and you have now modeled your first database. You can change the layout like I said before here. Thank you for choosing ER/Studio and happy modeling.
Topics : Data Modeling,
Products : ER/Studio Data Architect,ER/Studio Enterprise Team Edition,
