Reverse Engineering in a Client-Server Environment

Abstract

Relational database management systems (RDBMS) share a high percentage of the database market. Coupled with client application development tools like PowerBuilder,^* and data modeling and design tools like ERwin/ERX, rapid application development is made possible. However, due to the ease of use of these client-server tools, there is a tendency for application developers to quick start their application development process without going through a formal process of database design. Through the use of reverse engineering tools, physical database schemas can be converted into their entity-relationship (ER) model. By looking at the ER model we can evaluate whether the relational database design has been completee or not.

This paper first gives an overview of client-server computing, reengineering and reverse engineering, followed by an introduction of a database modeling and design tool which provides forward and reverse engineering capabilities in a client-server database environment. Using this tool, two case studies were carried out. In the first case, an incomplete database design was revealed. In the second case, the ER model showed that database design has been completed. An integrated approach is proposed for database modeling, design and database generation.

Article Footnote

PowerBuilder, Erwin/ERX, and other brand names are product names of their respective owners.