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Database and Project Conversion
Database and Project Conversion

Converting SqlDBM projects from one database type to another

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Written by Serge Gershkovich
Updated over 2 months ago

SqlDBM allows users to dynamically convert projects between all supported database types (e.g., Snowflake, Databricks, Oracle, etc.)

This process utilizes a method called the "logical bridge," which involves first converting the project to a logical format and then transforming it into a physical database of the user's choice. This approach provides users with complete flexibility in mapping data types and selecting objects and diagrams.

Conceptually, the process looks like this:

Physical Project A β†’ Logical Project β†’ Physical Project B

The following video provides a brief demonstration of the complete process, with detailed steps described below.

Prerequisite:

  • An existing physical project

Performing a project conversion

To start the conversion process, note the name of the physical project that you wish to convert.

Next, create a new Logical project. This project can be deleted once the conversion is complete.

Give the Logical project a name and press "Save" (1) to start the process. Next, press the "Import" button (2) to begin the import of the physical project being converted.

Next, select the import type by clicking on the "Import physical project" option and proceed to search or select the name of the physical project being converted.

Now, review the import options to customize the conversion.

Tuning the conversion settings

With the physical project selected for import, review the import options to fine-tune data type mapping and object selection.

Data type mapping

Data type mapping is the most important factor to consider when converting between project types. Before proceeding, ensure that you are familiar with Logical data type conversion. A link to "Logical data types" documentation is provided at the end of this post.

At this stage, the target mappings are Logical data types, they do not have to match the physical data types of the project we aim to convert to. There will be a chance to modify those mappings in the following steps.

If necessary, change the proposed mappings to consolidate existing data types or create new mappings.

Once data types are mapped, click "Apply and proceed."

Object selection

On the following three tabs (SQL Objects, Project-level objects, Diagrams), review the object selection and uncheck anything that you wish to exclude from the conversion.

When finished, press the "Import" button to complete the import.

Export to physical

Once everything has been imported into the Logical project, review the existing objects and ensure that data types have been converted as expected.

Next, click the "Export to physical" button (1) and choose "Create a new project" (2) in the resulting screen.

Next, select the target physical database type that you wish to convert to and click the "Apply and proceed" button.

Review the data types mapping for the target database and verify or adjust the proposals accordingly.

Finally, press the "Save and export to database" to finish the process.

The project conversion process is now complete. Press the "Go to the project" button to open the newly converted project.


See also

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