Generate MSSQL Data Dictionary with Screens, Exports, Reports, and Scripts

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Overview of the MS SQL Data Dictionary Generator
3. Flavors of the Output
   1. Dictionary Viewer
   2. CSV Exports
   3. PDF Report
   4. Comment Script
   5. Data Dictionary Script
4. Using the Data Dictionary Generator
   1. Step 1: Selecting Output Format
   2. Step 2: Running the Job
   3. Step 3: Customizing Output Options
   4. Step 4: Using the Dictionary Viewer
   5. Step 5: Exporting to CSV
   6. Step 6: Exporting to PDF
   7. Step 7: Generating Comment Scripts
   8. Step 8: Generating Data Dictionary Scripts
5. Advanced Usage and Benefits
   1. Automating Script Execution
   2. Comparing Output for Schema Changes
   3. Customizing and Utilizing Scripts
6. Conclusion

Article

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will be exploring the functionalities and capabilities of the MS SQL Data Dictionary Generator. This tool allows you to generate various output formats for analyzing and documenting your SQL database metadata. We will cover the different flavors of output available, including the dictionary viewer, CSV exports, PDF reports, comment scripts, and data dictionary scripts. By the end of this tutorial, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively use the Data Dictionary Generator to streamline your database management tasks.

Overview of the MS SQL Data Dictionary Generator

The MS SQL Data Dictionary Generator is a free tool that provides a comprehensive view of your SQL database metadata. It allows you to generate various output formats, making it easier to analyze, document, and share information about your database structure. This tool is equipped with features such as the dictionary viewer, CSV exports, PDF reports, comment scripts, and data dictionary scripts, providing users with multiple options to explore and utilize their database metadata effectively.

Flavors of the Output

Dictionary Viewer

The dictionary viewer is an interactive screen that displays your database metadata in a data grid format. It provides a scrollable and sizable data grid with columns that can be sorted and filtered. You can easily navigate through the data grid, search for specific information, and export the displayed data to other formats. The dictionary viewer is a powerful tool for visualizing and exploring your database metadata.

CSV Exports

The MS SQL Data Dictionary Generator allows you to export your database metadata to CSV format. This feature is useful when you need to analyze or share your database metadata with others. The exported CSV file can be opened in notepad or Excel, providing a convenient way to manipulate and analyze your data in a tabular format.

PDF Report

The PDF report is a visually appealing format to present your database metadata. This feature generates a well-formatted PDF document that includes all the relevant information about your database structure. The PDF report is an excellent choice when you need to distribute or present your database documentation to stakeholders or colleagues.

Comment Script

The comment script feature generates an update script that allows you to alter and update the descriptions of your database objects. It generates SQL statements that modify the description properties of tables, views, and columns. This feature is useful when you want to customize the descriptions of your database objects and keep them up-to-date with your evolving schema.

Data Dictionary Script

The data dictionary script is a powerful SQL script that captures all the metadata information about your database. This script can be executed in SQL Server Management Studio, and the results are returned in the format you choose. The data dictionary script provides a flexible way to utilize your database metadata and integrate it into other workflows or automation processes.

Using the Data Dictionary Generator

Step 1: Selecting Output Format

To begin using the MS SQL Data Dictionary Generator, you need to select the desired output format. The tool provides various options, including the dictionary viewer, CSV exports, PDF reports, comment scripts, and data dictionary scripts. Choose the format that suits your needs and proceed to the next steps.

Step 2: Running the Job

After selecting the output format, you can run the job to generate the desired output. Click on the "Run Job" button, and the tool will start processing your database metadata. The time taken to generate the output depends on the size and complexity of your database. Once the job is completed, you can proceed to the next steps to explore and utilize the generated output.

Step 3: Customizing Output Options

In Step 3, you have the option to customize the output options according to your requirements. Depending on the output format you selected, you can modify settings such as column sorting, filtering, and formatting. These options allow you to fine-tune the generated output to suit your specific needs.

Step 4: Using the Dictionary Viewer

The dictionary viewer is an interactive screen that allows you to explore the generated output in a data grid format. You can scroll through the data, resize and sort columns, apply filters, and perform searches to find specific information. The dictionary viewer provides a comprehensive view of your database metadata, making it easy to navigate and analyze.

Step 5: Exporting to CSV

If you want to export the generated output to CSV format, you can choose the desired export option. The MS SQL Data Dictionary Generator provides options to export to notepad or Excel. This feature is useful when you need to manipulate or analyze the data in a tabular format outside of the tool.

Step 6: Exporting to PDF

The PDF export feature allows you to generate a visually appealing PDF report of your database metadata. This feature is useful when you need to share or present your database documentation to stakeholders or colleagues. The PDF report provides an organized and professional-looking format for your database documentation.

Step 7: Generating Comment Scripts

One of the key features of the MS SQL Data Dictionary Generator is the ability to generate comment scripts. These scripts allow you to update and customize the descriptions of your database objects easily. The comment scripts modify the description properties of tables, views, and columns, enabling you to keep your database documentation up-to-date.

Step 8: Generating Data Dictionary Scripts

The data dictionary scripts generated by the MS SQL Data Dictionary Generator provide a comprehensive SQL script that captures all the metadata information about your database. These scripts are executed in SQL Server Management Studio, and the results are returned in the format you choose. The data dictionary scripts enable you to leverage your database metadata in various workflows and automation processes.

Advanced Usage and Benefits

Automating Script Execution

With the MS SQL Data Dictionary Generator, you can automate the script execution process. You can schedule the tool to run periodically, generating the desired output and sending it to your team via email. This automation ensures that you always have the latest data dictionary available and eliminates the manual effort of running the tool frequently.

Comparing Output for Schema Changes

By utilizing the CSV exports or data dictionary scripts, you can compare the database metadata output from different time points. This allows you to identify any schema changes that have occurred between the outputs. By writing custom code or leveraging existing comparison tools, you can easily track and manage schema changes in your database.

Customizing and Utilizing Scripts

The generated comment scripts and data dictionary scripts provide a powerful foundation for customizing and utilizing your database metadata. You can modify the scripts to meet your specific requirements, integrate them into your existing workflows, or use them as a starting point for developing custom solutions. The SQL scripts offer flexibility and control over your database metadata management.

Conclusion

The MS SQL Data Dictionary Generator is a versatile and powerful tool that allows you to generate various output formats for your database metadata. By utilizing the dictionary viewer, CSV exports, PDF reports, comment scripts, and data dictionary scripts, you can effectively analyze, document, and utilize your SQL database structure. Whether you need an interactive data grid, a tabular export, a visually appealing PDF report, or customizable scripts, this tool provides the functionality to meet your database management needs.

So why wait? Give the MS SQL Data Dictionary Generator a try and unlock the full potential of your database metadata management.

Highlights

• The MS SQL Data Dictionary Generator is a free tool that provides a comprehensive view of your SQL database metadata.
• The tool offers various output formats such as the dictionary viewer, CSV exports, PDF reports, comment scripts, and data dictionary scripts.
• The dictionary viewer allows you to explore and analyze your database metadata in an interactive data grid format.
• CSV exports enable you to export your database metadata to a tabular format for further analysis and manipulation.
• PDF reports generate visually appealing documentation of your database structure.
• Comment scripts allow easy customization and updating of database object descriptions.
• Data dictionary scripts provide a comprehensive SQL script capturing all metadata information about your database.

FAQ

Q: Can I automate the output generation process?
A: Yes, the MS SQL Data Dictionary Generator can be automated to run periodically and generate the desired output, which can then be emailed to your team.

Q: How can I compare output for schema changes?
A: By utilizing the CSV exports or data dictionary scripts, you can compare the database metadata output from different time points to identify any schema changes.

Q: Can I modify and customize the generated scripts?
A: Yes, the comment scripts and data dictionary scripts can be modified to meet your specific requirements. You can integrate them into your existing workflows or build custom solutions upon them.