PDM DBMS

PowerDesigner can be used with many different DBMS. For each of these DBMS, a standard definition file is included and provides an interface between PowerDesigner and the DBMS so as to establish the best relationships between them.

Caution
You should never modify the DBMS files shipped with PowerDesigner. For each original DBMS you want to modify, you should create a corresponding new DBMS. To do so you have to create a new DBMS from the List of DBMS, define a name and select the original file in the Copy From dropdown listbox. This allows you to create a new DBMS that is identical to the original file apart from the name.

What is a DBMS definition file?

A DBMS definition file is a list of values and settings that represent specifications for a particular Database Management System (DBMS) in a format understandable by PowerDesigner. As an interface between an actual DBMS and PowerDesigner, it provides PowerDesigner with the syntax and guidelines for generating databases, triggers, and stored procedures appropriate for a target DBMS. The file itself is in .XML format.

The DBMS definition file is a required component of PowerDesigner when working with Physical Data Models (PDM). Each actual DBMS supported by PowerDesigner has its own DBMS definition.

For more information on the DBMS definition file, see chapter DBMS Reference Guide in the Advanced User documentation .

What is contained in a DBMS definition?

All DBMS definition files have the same structure made up of a number of categories. A category can contain sub-categories, and entries. These entries are parameters recognizable by PowerDesigner.

The values for DBMS definition categories and entries vary for each DBMS. Some entries may not exist in the DBMS file if they are not applicable to the particular DBMS.

For more information on the DBMS editor, see chapter The Resource Editor in the General Feature Guide .

Not certified resource file
Some resource files are delivered with "Not Certified" in their names. Sybase will perform all possible validation checks, however Sybase does not maintain specific environments to fully certify these resource files. Sybase will support the definition by accepting bug reports and will provide fixes as per standard policy, with the exception that there will be no final environmental validation of the fix. Users are invited to assist Sybase by testing fixes of the definition provided by Sybase and report any continuing inconsistencies.