ER/Builder

A database modeler can make a developer’s job a lot simpler, as it allows you to design everything visually, which also means less experienced users should also have an easier time.

ER/Builder is a data modeler aimed at both novices and experts, designed to help developers deploy databases. It enables you to define structures, optimize the database and generate SQL scripts.

If you don’t have a lot of experience with database modeling, this application should be a great choice. A number of video tutorials are available on the product’s website, though it would have helped if some local documentation were included as well. The UI layout is quite straightforward, so new users should have no problem getting the hang of things.

To get an even better idea of how to design a database, you can open one of the examples available in the application’s folder. These can help you get started on the right track.

ER/Builder supports Oracle, MS SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Interbase and Firebird databases. Once you’ve completed your design, you can generate a script that will allow you to create a database.

The application lets you define entities, attributes, relationships, domains, indexes and sequences. The database model is shown in the main panel, while the tree view provides an outline of the project.

ER/Builder is a great choice for developers who are looking for a lightweight database modeling utility that offers a decent set of features. It is easy to use, providing users with tutorials and examples to help them get started, and the UI layout is very intuitive.