aSVERD

ASVERD project is a generator of Scalable Vector Graphics Entity Relationship Diagram. It is important to note that this tool should be considered as part of a tool chain rather than a complete solution. This software reads tables and relationships from a database and generates an SVG file that contains the tables and links. This project is born from the need to create ERDs in organisations that have databases without any tools or existing ERDs. When using ASVERD, the approach is to point it at the database and let it create a diagram that simply puts the tables in a grid. One thing to mention is that it does not attempt to create a fancy layout. This diagram can be viewed in a web browser and may need an SVG plug-in.

Users can then use an SVG editor, like GLIPSGraffiti, to lay out the tables. If you re-run SVERD on an existing output file, it will not move the tables, so changes can be made and saved without losing your edits. One important detail to note is that the links between the tables are rendered using JavaScript. Therefore, if you move the tables around in an editor, the links stay with them. However, some editors may not show the links while users are editing (as with GLIPS).

If the table references are not defined in the database, they can be supplied in a text file. ASVERD can be used using different parameters. Users can use a properties file or pass the parameters via command line. The jar contains source and class files.

In the latest release, bugs with using the SVG in FireFox have been fixed, and JavaScript-based zooming has been added. Users can click an entity to zoom, which adds more functionality and makes the program more user-friendly. Overall, ASVERD is a great tool for generating ERDs in organisations that may not have existing tools or diagrams. While it may not be a complete solution, it is perfect as part of a tool chain, and users can use other tools to plan, generate and analyze the data.