ERD in EA

[db1]

If a business thinks they cannot do without an ERD and are using EA, what options does the architect have to depict an ERD model? Do class diagrams pass for an ERD?

Thanks!!!
db

[«Midnight»]

The short answer is "No" or at least "Not quite."

There is a data modelling funtion in EA. Try starting a class diagram, but using the Table tool icon instead of Class. Open the help file in one of these entities and go from there.

Once you have started the process, try opening the diagram properties (F5) and changing the Connector Notation setting. This may make life easier for your audience.

There's a lot of discussion about this in the forum here, but try the above before searching. That will give you some context.

HTH, David

[jeshaw2]

I thought MDA supported a PIM to PSM transformation of UML into a relational ER model?  IF EA supports such transformations, why not use that?  It would make maintaining the system design easier and less prone to errors of mismatched UML and ERDs.

But then, I'm still learning both MDA and EA; everytime I think I understand them, they get better.

BTW:  Where in the EA does one go to write the transsformation rules?

[thomaskilian]

Hi Jim,
you are right in that MDA is a good approach. However, Sparx standard transformation is somewhat very simplistic. You may need to modify the templates via Settings/Transformation. I suggested the following approch.