Understanding Existing Database Objects and Settings
In Visual Studio, you can learn more about your current databases, database servers, and the objects and settings that each contain. You can create an offline representation of your database objects in a database project. You can then view the objects, object details, and the relationships between objects. Visual Studio does not yet provide an integrated logical or physical database diagram.
By understanding the existing database code, you can communicate more easily with the people involved with your project. For example, you can create a common glossary to discuss the system with project stakeholders, users, and team members.
Tasks | Associated Topics |
|---|---|
Create an offline representation of your database: You can create a database project and import your existing objects and settings. After you do this, you can examine the objects, settings, and relationships without connecting to your database again. | |
Understand the objects and settings for your database: You can use Schema View to explore the definition of the objects in your database. You can examine database settings by reviewing the properties of the database project. | |
View relationships between database objects: You can examine the dependencies between objects within your database. ImportantYou must have Visual Studio Premium or Visual Studio Ultimate to view dependencies. This feature is not available in Visual Studio Professional. | |
Refactor database code and data: If the current database design does not meet your requirements, you can apply refactoring techniques to perform common actions such as renaming database objects or moving objects between schemas. ImportantYou must have Visual Studio Premium or Visual Studio Ultimate to view dependencies. This feature is not available in Visual Studio Professional. |
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