Data Modeling

[Viking]

Hi together,
It seams to me that Toolbox > Data Modeling has change since I used it the last time.
(1) If I want to add properties with F9, it opens a database-connection. Can I turn this off?
(2) If I want to add columns, the type has to be a VarChar. Is that a bug or a feature?
(3) The documentation says, that there is a diagram available for this notation "Click on Extended > Click on Data Modeling". I cannot find this. How can I assign this diagram type to my diagram?
(4) Normally I use Chen, but prefer Data Modeling in the meantime. Am I wrong using this notation for modelling databases?
Many thanks in advance, V.

[Glassboy]

This is really a database model or at a pinch a physical data model.  The answer to your question all depends on what sort of data model you want to produce.  You can easily produce a conceptual data model using a class diagram.

[KP]

1) When you create a table, before you can create columns you need to tell EA what DBMS you are modelling. EA is not opening a database connection, it's just trying to find out what you're doing.
2) The list of available types will depend on the DBMS you are modelling. That's why you need to let EA know.
3) Right-click a package in the Project Browser, Add Diagram, Select From: Extended, Diagram Types: Data Modeling. If Extended isn't available, open the MDG Technologies dialog and enable "Core Extensions".

[Viking]

This is really a database model or at a pinch a physical data model.  The answer to your question all depends on what sort of data model you want to produce.  You can easily produce a conceptual data model using a class diagram.

Yes, at the beginning I wanted to switch to UML class model. Than I found Data Modeling and liked the elements like Table and Function. Actually it is based on UML Class Diagram. What would you prefer, Data Modeling or UML Class and why?

[Viking]

1) When you create a table, before you can create columns you need to tell EA what DBMS you are modelling. EA is not opening a database connection, it's just trying to find out what you're doing.
2) The list of available types will depend on the DBMS you are modelling. That's why you need to let EA know.
3) Right-click a package in the Project Browser, Add Diagram, Select From: Extended, Diagram Types: Data Modeling. If Extended isn't available, open the MDG Technologies dialog and enable "Core Extensions".

Thank you very much. Very helpful.

[Glassboy]

This is really a database model or at a pinch a physical data model.  The answer to your question all depends on what sort of data model you want to produce.  You can easily produce a conceptual data model using a class diagram.

Yes, at the beginning I wanted to switch to UML class model. Than I found Data Modeling and liked the elements like Table and Function. Actually it is based on UML Class Diagram. What would you prefer, Data Modeling or UML Class and why?

There are multiple levels to data modelling; conceptual, logical and physical.  Class diagrams work for conceptual and logical.  The data  modelling profile works for physical.