Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

DB Designer VS ApexSQL Doc

Compare DB Designer VS ApexSQL Doc and see what are their differences

DB Designer logo DB Designer

fabFORCE.net Database Tools

ApexSQL Doc logo ApexSQL Doc

ApexSQL Doc creates database documentation in a variety of formats.
  • DB Designer Landing page
    Landing page //
    2018-11-10
  • ApexSQL Doc Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-24

DB Designer features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    DB Designer offers an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced database designers.
  • Visual Modeling
    It provides visual tools for creating and editing entity-relationship diagrams, which can help users better understand and organize their databases.
  • Integration with MySQL
    DB Designer integrates seamlessly with MySQL, allowing users to directly transfer their designs to a database server.
  • Free to Use
    As freeware, DB Designer provides a cost-effective solution for database design without the need for a subscription or purchase.

Possible disadvantages of DB Designer

  • Limited Support and Updates
    The software lacks regular updates and comprehensive customer support, which can be a concern for long-term usability and troubleshooting.
  • Compatibility Issues
    DB Designer may not be compatible with some newer database technologies or operating systems, limiting its applicability in some environments.
  • Lacks Advanced Features
    Compared to other advanced database design tools, DB Designer may lack certain advanced features that are needed for complex database environments.
  • Learning Curve
    While user-friendly, new users might still face a learning curve to fully utilize all functionalities effectively, especially without official support.

ApexSQL Doc features and specs

  • Comprehensive Documentation
    ApexSQL Doc offers a robust set of features for documenting SQL Server databases, integrating detailed metadata and annotated information, which enhances understanding and presentation of database structures.
  • Automation Capabilities
    The tool can automate documentation processes via the command line interface and schedule document generation tasks, thus saving time and minimizing manual intervention.
  • Multiple Output Formats
    ApexSQL Doc supports various output formats including HTML, PDF, DOC, DOCX, and CHM, providing flexibility in how documents are shared and presented.
  • Customization Options
    Users can customize documentation details, configure templates, and select specific database objects to document, allowing for tailored documentation suited to particular needs.
  • Integration with SQL Server
    The tool seamlessly integrates with SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), enhancing productivity by allowing users to generate documentation directly from within the SSMS environment.

Possible disadvantages of ApexSQL Doc

  • Cost
    ApexSQL Doc is a premium software with a cost that might be prohibitive for small enterprises or individual developers looking for budget-friendly solutions.
  • Learning Curve
    Due to its extensive features and customization options, new users might face a steep learning curve to effectively utilize all functionalities of the tool.
  • System Requirements
    The tool may have specific system requirements that could necessitate infrastructure upgrades, potentially adding to overall costs for setup and operation.
  • Limited Support for Non-SQL Server Databases
    ApexSQL Doc primarily caters to SQL Server environments, which may limit its utility for organizations using multiple types of database systems.
  • User Interface
    Some users may find the interface to be less intuitive compared to other SQL documentation tools, potentially affecting usability and efficiency.

DB Designer videos

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ApexSQL Doc videos

An introduction to ApexSQL Doc

More videos:

  • Review - ApexSQL Doc - Documenting graphical dependencies and data model diagrams

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to DB Designer and ApexSQL Doc)
Databases
63 63%
37% 37
MySQL Tools
49 49%
51% 51
Database Management
39 39%
61% 61
Database Tools
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing DB Designer and ApexSQL Doc, you can also consider the following products

MySQL Workbench - MySQL Workbench is a unified visual tool for database architects, developers, and DBAs.

dbForge SQL Complete - Try Intellisense functionality and Improved SQL Formatter in SQL Server Management Studio and Visual Studio using SQL Complete!

Navicat Data Modeler - Navicat Data Modeler allows users to create a conceptual model from an existing database and edit the structure of the database easily.

Dataedo - Database documentation tool

DbSchema - DbSchema - Visual Database Design & Management Tool

Longtion Application Builder - Longtion Application Builder is a tool for designing and developing database applications and Web...