Database design software

[hinch]

Hi,

I'm trying to find some good and easy to use database design software. Ideally open source and can export as pdf.
I promised a friend I'd help him design the database for his site but I don't want to actually DO the database if that makes sense.

So I'm looking for something that I can define all the tables, keys, relationships,views etc then just export a pdf to him so he can go and create the actual database.

Whats your favourite database designer?

[angst]

a google search results lots of results, however I've never used an editor where you could export to pdf. so good luck with that;

http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=open+source+database+design+tool&btnG=Google+Search&meta=&aq=1&oq=open+source+database+

[oracleguy]

I haven't tried it but this program looks pretty decent: http://www.fabforce.net/dbdesigner4/ And to aid in your search you are looking for a program to draw an ER Diagram. Visio also has support for doing them, I've used it, it isn't too bad.

[hinch]

dbdesigner4 looks fairly good will give it a bash tomorrow

I don't have visio i'm afraid use openoffice instead :) I knew google turned up loads but wanted really to get views from what others have used since i've never had to actually design a db for anyone else before I've always just sketched it out on paper then built it myself so new territory for me

[Old Pedant]

I like that option:

Sketch it out on paper.

Take a photo of it.

Paste the photo in to a PDF file.

Done.

<grin/>

Seriously, there are so many programs out there for doing this that you almost can't go wrong. But I dunno about the practicality of PDF. Last major design I worked on, we ended up with a taped-together chart that was about 0.6 by 1.2 meters. Had to hang it on a wall to look at it.

[oracleguy]

I like that option:

Sketch it out on paper.

Take a photo of it.

Paste the photo in to a PDF file.

Done.

<grin/>


You forgot the wooden table (http://encyclopediadramatica.com/Wooden_table)! :eek: