Re: Feedback on database designer (1.15 Dev)

On Tue, 2012-02-07 at 06:27 -0500, Colin Beckingham wrote:
> >> 1. The database designer opens up ok but it does not seem to matter if
> >> you do so from a database or schema or not. First requirement if you
> >> want to import tables is to select a schema, but unless you are already
> >> on a schema or database when DD opens it is not clear how you can select
> >> a schema after that. Say you have "Databases" or the server name
> >> selected then you are not given a list of schemas to select from.
> >>
> >
> > We only need to know the schema if you want to generate the SQL, and if
> > you want to reverse-engineere a specific schema. Both of these wizards
> > ask for the schema. So, I think it's pretty covered.
>
> OK no problem, the only issue I see is that you are allowed to start a
> wizard in an invalid context. The DD menu item "Import tables" is
> visible and active right from initial startup of pgadmin before you are
> connected to any servers.

Oh OK, understood. Yes, the icon should only be enabled when you're
connected to a database. Another bug to fix :-/

> There is an implication that as part of the
> wizard process you will be allowed to subsequently point at a server,
> database, schema. But in fact in order to import tables you need to exit
> DD, select the schema in the pgadmin object browser and then restart DD.
> While you can start the wizard in the absence of visible schemas, it
> will not proceed on click the Next button if no schemas are listed.
> Perhaps I am missing something.
>

Nope, you're right.

> >> 3. After adding a new table, if you try to drag the table from the
> >> 'model browser' into the 'database designer' then you get a "Table
> >> already exists at this diagram" message and the table is not added or
> >> seen. I found this puzzling after I had successfully imported tables
> >> from a schema and then successfully dragged them into the designer
> >> window. If you add a new designer window then you can drag the new
> >> tables into that frame.
> >>
> >
> > Are you sure you wasn't in another diagram? you may have more than one
> > diagram (they are shown as tabs in the database designer), and you can
> > add the same table in one/some/all diagrams, but you cannot add one
> > table two times in the same diagram.
> >
>
> This must have been my error. It works fine now. I think that previously
> the size of the displayed area did not allow me to see that the table
> was already in the window, and since I did not think of scrolling down I
> believed it was not there. The boxes seem to be added quite far down and
> to the right by default. I realize this will be screen resolution
> dependent, and also dependent on the area the user has chosen to display
> so not sure what to suggest, but I think I would go for tight top left
> (10,10) in the visible area (user could have scrolled anywhere) if this
> is possible. Then you can easily see the Eagle has landed. Otherwise you
> have to go looking for it.
>

Yes, there are a few enhancements to do on the location of objects.

> >> 4. When adding tables from import into the designer frame a relationship
> >> line appears linking two related tables, but the ends are confusingly
> >> aligned. Attempts to make them line up better are not successful.
> >>
> >
> > Yeah, that's one thing I would like to find a fix. The only workaround I
> > can offer your right now is to double click on the line. It will add a
> > new anchor that you can use "to add an angle" to a line. Not sure if I
> > explain this correctly. Just try and see if it works for you. Anyway,
> > it's just a workaround.
>
> Yes, this was a good hint. I now see that the ends point at the table as
> an object and not the columns/fields. I see that when the relationship
> is selected the relevant key fields light up in red. Got it. Ideally I
> suppose in a visual designer you would be able to drag end points from
> one column to another but that implies major changes to your db
> structure which might or might not be valid.
>

Yes.

> Another suggestion 1: in the dialog boxes where you select
> tables/columns from among many to form a new set, users are accustomed
> to being able to double click one item and have it automatically perform
> an action such as join the set on the right or go back to the set on the
> left.
>

Sorry, I don't understand what you mean here.

> Another suggestion 2: as a beginner with this tool one of my major
> concerns is with destructive effects on the db you have imported info
> from. The nagging question once you get to the end of your designing
> process is "What effect will this have on my original db?" Perhaps none.
> Maybe it is just a matter of how the prompts are worded/presented.
>

Absolutely no destructive effects. You cannot even run the SQL generated
by the tool in this tool. So, absolutely nothing to worry about.

--
Guillaume
http://blog.guillaume.lelarge.info
http://www.dalibo.com