Data modeling

See also modeling.

Tools

The following tools specialize in database modeling. They are used to design database schemas, including the relationships and constraints in [SQL databases]. These are proper modeling tools, not just diagramming tools, which means they can be used to generate SQL code from their models.

Some [database administration] tools such as HeidiSQL and MySQL Workbench also support visual database design.

  • Database Diagram — Online tool for generating entity-relationship diagrams from text.

  • Database Markup Language (DBML) — Open-source DSL for defining and documenting database schemas and data structures. dbdiagram.io and dbdocs.io are tools that support DBML. There’s also a command line tool for converting DBML to SQL table definitions, and a JavaScript module for programmatically working with DBML.

  • DB Designer — Online database design tool.

  • DbDesigner 4 — Open-source design tool for MySQL databases.

  • Dbdiagram.io — Online database design tool. From data models defined in a lightweight, plain text markup language, the UI dynamically renders Entity-Relationship (ER) diagrams and exports SQL statements for table creation.

  • DbSchema — Powerful modeling tool for both SQL and NoSQL databases. Supports reverse engineering of existing databases, visual query building, generation of dummy test data, and more.

  • ER Builder Data Modeler — Automatically generates SQL code for popular databases from ER diagrams. Desktop subscription software.

  • erd — CLI utility for generating entity-relationship diagrams from a plain-text description.

  • Hackolade — Data modeling tool for SQL and NoSQL databases, as well as APIs and storage formats.

  • ModelSphere — Free and open-source tool for business process modeling, data modeling, and UML modeling. Cross-platform compatible, but it requires a Java 7 Virtual Machine to be installed locally.

  • Quick Database Diagrams — Text-to-diagram web tool that does what it says on the tin.

  • Oracle SQL Developer Data Modeler — Free graphical tool for designing database schemas.