Timur K.

As a self-professed database enthusiast, I'm always on the lookout for tools that simplify the database design process. Recently, I had the opportunity to explore QuickDBD, a web-based service that promises to make creating comprehensive Entity-Relationship (ER) diagrams a breeze. In this review, I'll share my thoughts on QuickDBD based on my experience with their free-of-charge service.

User-Friendly Interface:
One of the standout features of QuickDBD is its user-friendly interface. Whether you're a novice or an experienced database designer, you'll find it easy to get started. The functionality allows you to create entities, define attributes, and establish relationships with utmost ease. For someone like me, efficiency in diagramming is crucial, and QuickDBD delivers on this front.

Efficient Commenting:
QuickDBD offers a convenient way to add comments to your diagrams, making it easier to document your thought process, assumptions, or important notes. Comments can be defined with a leading hashtag and can stand on their own as separate lines or follow any code inline. This feature aids in communication and clarity, especially when working collaboratively.
Autocomplete for Speed: The inclusion of autocomplete functionality, accessible by pressing CTRL + SPACE, is a small but significant detail that enhances the overall user experience. It speeds up the process of defining entities, attributes, and relationships by suggesting options as you type, reducing the chance of errors and increasing efficiency.

Streamlined Diagram Metadata:
QuickDBD has made a wise decision to move sections like "settings" and "layout" to the background, integrating them into diagram metadata. This change declutters the interface and keeps the focus on the essentials of database design. The good news is that they ensured backward compatibility, so existing diagrams are automatically converted to the new format when saved, making the transition seamless.

Table Definitions and Aliases:
Defining tables is straightforward in QuickDBD. Table names are introduced by a newline followed by a string. Moreover, the service allows table name aliases to be defined with the "as" keyword, offering flexibility in your schema design. These aliases can be used instead of full table names in relationship definitions, making diagrams more concise and readable.

Field Definitions and Constraints:
QuickDBD excels in offering flexibility when defining table fields. You can specify various parameters like data type, primary key (PK), foreign key (FK), default values, and more. It even accommodates unique constraints and index constraints, ensuring data integrity in your designs.

Documentation and Comments:
QuickDBD allows you to add documentation comments before or in-line with table or field definitions. These comments are not just for show; they appear in PDF/RTF exports, ensuring that your designs are well-documented and easy to understand.

Table Relationships:
QuickDBD provides multiple ways to define table relationships, either as part of table metadata or inline with field definitions. The flexibility in specifying relationship types and field names ensures that your diagrams accurately represent your database structure.

Real-Time Collaboration:
One of features introduced by QuickDBD is real-time collaboration. Collaborators can work on the same diagram simultaneously, facilitating teamwork and communication among project members. This feature alone can greatly enhance the collaborative design process.

Import and Export Capabilities:
QuickDBD allows the import of.sql or.ddl files, which is a handy feature for those looking to work with existing database schemas. However, it's important to note that not all database features may be covered during import and export, so users should exercise caution when making extensive changes to imported schemas.

Payment Plans:
QuickDBD offers both Free and Pro Plans, catering to a range of needs. The Free Plan is suitable for basic diagram creation, offering limited diagrams and tables per diagram. On the other hand, the Pro Plan comes with expanded capabilities, including unlimited diagrams, private diagrams, real-time collaboration, and the ability to export diagrams as images, SQL, and PDF/RTF files.