SQL Server Management Studio 2008: save database diagrams without applying tables yet

Question

Can you create a database diagram for a database and save it without creating actual tables? You know, so the boss can check this out before applying it?

Answer 1

Not if you install keys / relationships. When you create these connections in the diagram, SSMS also sets the keys / restrictions.

If your boss wants to take a look at the chart before making changes, I would suggest Visio or another visualization tool. You can provide the same information (albiet with a little extra effort) and it doesn't mess with the database itself. In addition, you would have a “database diagram” that would be disconnected from the database, so if you want to make future changes, you can move things with impunity until you get your connections / relationships the way you want it to.

Answer 2

No. The database diagram is somewhat vaguely called that it is basically a table designer, and not just a graphical representation of the database.

Saving a chart will save all changes to the underlying database objects.

Answer 3

, ?

Ideally, you have a dev version of the database in which you are making changes, and this will not affect anything

Answer 4

You can use a tool like SQL Dependency Tracker to visualize your database, or simply make a copy of the database schema and save the data diagram in SSMS to a copy if you do not want to apply them to the original instance.