In both development and operational environments there is a need for database administration. Few of the current database suppliers have placed sufficient emphasis on developing good administration tools and there are very few administration tools that can be used on a workstation. QBE Vision's built-in DBA module enables the developer or the database administrator to maintain the database from QBE Vision. The QBE Vision DBA module includes functionality for:
RulesSetting up and maintaining rules. Rules are used to ensure that only valid values can be stored in a column. Existing rules can be read, edited and stored as new rules for other columns.
Defaults
Storing and maintaining defaults. Defaults are used to store values in columns when no other values are available.
User Defined Data Types
The data type specifies what kind of data the column will hold and how the data is to be represented. The system data types available from SQL Server (Sybase) can be further customized in QBE Vision by specifying a length and by adding rules and defaults.
Databases, tables and columns
Setting up and maintaining databases, tables, columns and views. When modifying column descriptions, the same dialogue will refer to defined rules, defaults and data types (see above).
Predefined joins
Setting up predefined joins. If predefined joins have been created, they will be used in the Query-by-Example module of QBE Vision.
Printing the database definition
A dialogue enabling reports to be requested containing information defined by the user, for example a selection of data types, defaults, column descriptions, stored procedures and views.
Generating SQL scripts
An SQL script consists of SQL statements which can be used to define databases, create stored procedures and triggers and to load in data. When a new database is defined, it is often useful to have the ability to start from an existing database definition. In the QBE Vision DBA module, part of a generated SQL script can be extracted. The resulting script can then be used to generate a new database.
Importing data
Importing data in different formats. Data already existing in Csv, Text, dBase or dbFast format can be imported into a database using QBE Vision's DBA module.
Triggers
Setting up and updating triggers. A trigger is a mechanism which ensures that the rules defined are adhered to across the database. The rules check the validity of data when storing, deleting or updating data.
Views
Setting up and updating views. A view is an alternative way of looking at data from one or more table(s). You can use the Query tool to generate the SQL-statement which should be the view definition or part of it.
Stored procedures
Setting up and updating stored procedures. A stored procedure is a set of pre-compiled SQL-statements stored in the database and is therefore very efficient to execute. In QBE Vision, parameters can be defined in SQL Dialogue boxes. These prompt the user for parameter information when the stored procedure is executed and are generated automatically. You can use the Query tool to generate the SQL-statement which should be the stored procedure or part of it.
User authorization
Maintaining users. One of the most important activities of a system administrator is to set up the correct access rights for the different users in the system. This task includes:
Indexes
An index speeds up access to data in a database by making it possible to find a row with a specific value without examining an entire table. From the QBE Vision DBA module it is possible to create, show or drop an index.
User groups
Setting up and maintaining users, groups, roles and aliases.
Space allocation
QBE Vision also has the functionality for space allocation, etc. This functionality varies from one database system to another.
Login ID
Every user of the database system must have a login ID with an associated password and default database. These login IDs and passwords can be maintained by QBE Vision DBA.
Backup
Functionality for taking back-ups of the database.
Consistency checks
Functionality for checking the database integrity.
Server Configuration
Functionality for configuring the SQL Server from QBE Vision DBA.
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