Printing database schema

[FarzanaSaleem]

I have created a database on Microsoft SQL Server -> SQL Server Group. I created tables in Databases -> dbname.

I want to print the schema of this database for documentation.

 

[sandymcrae]

You can use the Documenter is MS Access.

Link your tables to an MS Access database, then run 'Tools, Analyze, Documenter'.

It has to be an mdb file. The documenter is not available in an Access project (.adp).

 

[FarzanaSaleem]

Thanks.

MS Access has Database Splitter option that splits a db1.mdb file into db1.mdb and db1_be.mdb. Then using Linked Table Manager, db1.mdb file is linked to db1_be.mdb.

Please tell me how I will make db1.mdb file for my database on SQL Server.

 

[sandymcrae]

Hi,

You don't need to get involved with the database splitter.

Just create an new empty mdb file.

Then, go to 'File, Get External Data, Link Tables'.

Under 'Files of type', select 'ODBC Databases'.

You will then be prompted for an existing ODBC connection or you can click 'New' to create a connection to your SQL Server database.

Once the connection is made you can pick the tables to connect, then use the documenter.

It sounds more complicated than it is.

Good luck,

Sandy McRae

 

[FarzanaSaleem]

Thanks.

I used the documenter in MS Access and it provided me ColumnNames, DataType and Size of all columns.

But there is one problem in this approach. Report from documenter shows only those datatypes available in Access.

For example, I defined datatype of one column as varchar in SQL Server but in the report from documenter, it is showing datatype of this column as text.

In SQL Server Enterprise Manager, I saw an option in Tools Menu, Tools -> Generate SQL Script ....

Please tell me if this option generates database schema and also how to use this option

 

[MDXer]

if you have visio you can use that or you can create a Database Diagram in EM and print it from there.

"Shoot Me! Shoot Me NOW!!!"
- Daffy Duck

 

[FarzanaSaleem]

I have Visio Professional Version 5.0 installed.

Please tell me, how to accomplish this task using Visio.