What is Database Diagram?
It is simply a Diagram of your Database. As we all know the first step of database design is the ER Diagram; Database Diagram is just the same. We can create Database Diagrams using SQL Server Management Studio. You can locate the Database Diagram node in your Database. To add diagrams you have to Right click on the node and select New Database Diagram.
Is it really needed?
Yes, if you are designing a database, no matter you are a pro or a novice, Database Diagrams will make designing a Database much easier. You have a diagram of your Database in front of you which makes understanding the entire structure simpler. For smaller Database with 2-3 tables you may not notice any convenience but when you are dealing with multiple tables and relationships you will find this very useful.
So it is a picture of the database?
No, it is not just a picture of the database or a simple drawings of ER Diagram which you must have done while designing your database. It has many more features in it like add, edit and delete your tables and relationships. If you do not want a table in the diagram but do not want to delete it either, you can simply remove it so it will not show up in the diagram. You can change the view of how your table is displayed. You can edit the column name, type, size and not null constraint. You can also create indexes, primary keys, xml indexes and check constraints. Please note that all changes made to the tables in Database Diagram are done only when you save the Database Diagram.
I am sure after reading this article you will always create and manage your tables in the Database Diagram node and not in the Tables node.
You can visit the following link to the MSDN website for more information:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms188251%28SQL.90%29.aspx
For more details, visit http://softwarecrafter.blogspot.com/2009/10/database-diagrams-in-sql-server.html
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