Files and Serialization
ORM Designer is based on a very flexible XML document which is used to store data model definitions and visualization data. Thanks to the open XML format it is very easy to extend ORM Designer with another features, customize it for a new ORM framework or use stored data for post processing tasks. ORM Designer can be configured to save all definitions into one file or to use separate files for each module and also to keep data definitions and visualization data in separate files. ORM Designer contains advanced merging which means you can import parts of other projects or ORM definitions into an existing ORM Designer project.
ORM Designer Data Format
- Open format:
All ORM Designer data are stored in XML human readable format. - XML contains:
- database model definitions
- visualization information
- extended data, which can be customized for each ORM.
Storage Options
Model definitions can be stored into:
- Single file: Whole database model is in one file.
- Multiple files: Database model is stored into more files (useful for plugins).
- Separate visualization: Data definitions and visual definitions are stored into separate files.
- Root file separation: Each module is stored separately with one root project file.
ORM Definitions Import and Export
- ORM export: Only definitions supported by ORM framework are exported.
- Individual ORM frameworks: Because all data are stored in XML format, individual generators or post processing scripts can be used on ORM Designer files.
- Refresh model: Already existing ORM Designer definitions can be refreshed from source ORM defintions.
Smart import
- Atomatic layout:
Automatic table, region and module layout on import. - Relations: Foreign key relations are created automatically from table definitions.
- Attaching plugins:
Plugin from another ORM Designer project can be attached. - Importing plugins: Plugins from specific ORM definition file can be imported to an existing ORM Designer project.
- Merging files:
Existing ORM Designer definitions can be merged with your project. - Learns new attributes: If new attributes are found on ORM import, ORM Designer learns these new attributes and stores them with predefined definitions.
Export
- ORM:
Export currently edited model to ORM Framework specific data files - PDF: Model can be printed into PDF file.
- JPG/PNG: Model can be exported to graphic format
- Single file: Project can be exported into single file so you can take it with you to a presentation or meeting with a client.
