Server Based Repositories - Firebird

[Stephan-E]

At the page
https://sparxsystems.com/enterprise_architect_user_guide/15.1/model_repository/settingupdatabasemodelfile.html
it is mentioned, that Firebird can be used.
But at "Learn more" is no link "Create a Project in a Firebird" or similar.
How can create a project with Firebird?

[Uffe]

Hi Stephan,

And welcome to the forum.
It's not as clear as it could be in the GUI, but when you select New Project you can choose the file type -- .eapx for JET/Access 4, .eap for JET/Access 3, or .feap for Firebird.

So just pick .feap and you're good to go.

/Uffe

[Stephan-E]

Hi Uffe,

thank you for the answer.
I tought when I do this, then it is only a file that has the Firebird structure.
My target is to use a real database.
I am not yet common with Firebird. (Some time ago I used MySQL.)
Or can I use this generated File for the setup of the Firebird database?

Stephan

[Uffe]

Hello again,

I'm sorry, I misunderstood. And I also think the manual page is wrong.
This resource page has all the DBMS initiation scripts, and there's nothing there for Firebird. I think you'd better send a support request.

/Uffe

[Geert Bellekens]

I believe Firebird is a file based database just like MS Access

In order to work with Firebird files you can create an .feap file using the Create New option in EA.
This .feap file contains the complete structure and required data for a new project.

This is different from the "real" DBMS approach, where you first start with an empty database structure created by the setup SQL Script, and then have to transfer a file based model (.eap, .eapx, or .feap) to the database.

Geert

[Sunshine]

Yes Firebird can be used as a file based database like MS Access but it doesn't have that 2 GB limit. However to answer your question you can also set it up as on a server too. In fact Sparx Systems uses Firebird for their cloud services offering. See the URL below
https://www.sparxsystems.com/resources/webinar/model-repository/cloud/introduction/introduction-cloud-services.html

For more info on Firebird see the url
http://www.firebirdsql.org/en/about-firebird/

The full list of databases support can be found here
https://www.sparxsystems.com/resources/datatypes/instructions.html
Interesting Sparx don't provide a script to set up a Firebird DB on a server but you could probably alter one of the other DB scripts. Not sure which one would be most compatible with Firebird.

Hope that helps

[Eve]

In fact Sparx Systems uses Firebird for their cloud services offering.

Just for clarity, what you are seeing there is still a file based database. It's just wrapped, exactly the same as any other DB being used for a repository with PCS.

[Uffe]

Also for clarity then, could we get a ruling on the Server Based Repositories page?
It clearly states that Firebird can be used as a DBMS back end, and I'm pretty sure that's what tripped up the OP.

DBMS Products you can use
You can set up your project on a repository in:

• Firebird from v2    [my emphasis]
• MySQL from v5
• MariaDB
• Microsoft SQL Server from 2005, all editions including Express and Azure
• Microsoft Access from 2007
• Oracle from 9i (all editions)
• PostgreSQL from v8

For information on creating a project on a specific DBMS from this list, see Learn more.

.  .  .

Learn more

• Create a Project in a MariaDB Database
• Create a Project in an MS Access 2007 Database
• Create a Project in a MySQL Database
• Create a Project in a PostgreSQL Database
• Create a Project in an Oracle Database
• Create a Project in a SQL Server Database
• Create a Project in a Sybase ASA/SQLAnywhere Database    [my emphasis]

Note that Sybase is not listed as a DBMS product you can use, but has a setup page.
Firebird is listed as a DBMS product you can use, but does not have a setup page.

Did someone just count the number of bullets in each list?


/Uffe

[Geert Bellekens]

Good catch Uffe.

Geert

[Stephan-E]

Hello,

thank you for your support.
In the forum was also suggested, that I ask the Sparx System support.

This is the answer I got:
You can create a model in firebird, but unless you are using this via the Pro Cloud Server, it is limited to single user access.

For single user direct access see:
https://sparxsystems.com/enterprise_architect_user_guide/15.1/model_repository/createamodeloverview.html

For PCS multiuser access  see:
https://sparxsystems.com/enterprise_architect_user_guide/15.1/model_repository/cloud_server_client_add_fb.html

[Uffe]

Hi again,

That indicates that the manual is indeed wrong when it lists Firebird as a viable DBMS back end (as I outlined above).
If you have the time and the inclination, please let the support team know so they can get that fixed.

/Uffe