From Idea to Reality - Step 1 (Database Diagram)
I am recently in the process of developing my life project. Bringing the idea to reality has become from a dream to a moment of inflection where only the commitment placed will demonstrate whether everything will bear fruit.
As a first step in the project, I am in the design and preparation of the Database. Today there are hundreds of tools available to perform the task, but the simplicity and ease of use are part of the factors that will demonstrate the value of the tool to use. After trying a number of options, I have found two viable alternatives to perform the task, which I mention below and detail the points that have helped me define the final tool to use.
The first alternative corresponds to the official Oracle MySQL Workbench tool, it has a visual editor that allows you to dynamically create the database schema. This is a great way to get started if you don't have a budget and know the Workbench ecosystem in advance.
The other available alternative corresponds to Quick DBD, it is a completely online tool that allows the design and diagramming in a simple and effective way. One of its main characteristics is the possibility of generating diagrams only with the written definition of the same, which makes the design almost exclusively possible with the keyboard, which is very useful and agile if you spend a few minutes understanding and memorize the syntax. On the other hand, this tool invites teamwork since it has an integrated collaboration format that allows two or more people to work on the same diagram in real-time.
At the end of the task, the decision of which tool to use will depend on the degree of flexibility of the project, but in my particular case, the need to have the project diagram at any place or time leads me to take the solution that allows me to have my diagrams instantly. Quick DBD offers me this and other facilities that, in the end, simplify the sharing, review, and editing of my diagrams.
Among the variables that have led me to make this decision are:
• Diagrams saved online instantly.
• Default live collaboration.
• Export diagrams to PDF.
• Availability of access to my diagrams from any place and device. (I don't need to go with my laptop to see them 🙂).
Quick DBD currently has two usage options, free with the ease of creating a single public diagram. The other option is to use a Pro subscription. Pricing for the Pro version is $ 7 for a trial week, $ 14 for a monthly subscription, and $ 95 for a full year subscription.
With this, the first stage of my project begins, and I hope you can enjoy it with me. If everything goes according to schedule, the MVP of the project can be exposed in 2 weeks from now. Wish me luck!