For Windows platform: which Dia plugin or App to simplify design and documentation of small Database Applications ?

[Paul Smith <paul smithy987 gmail com>]

Hi, I am looking for a tool to simplify design and documentation of small Database Applications, ideally starting creation of the ER Diagram, from which the SQL DDL is generated to create the tables in the target RDBMS.

I read Dia maybe such a tool.

I spent a while playing with Dia, first the ER Palette but had difficulty seeing how it allows creation of traditional ER Diagrams using the simple Chen 1:N, M:N, 1:1 Notations seen in many textbooks from decades ago, where each Relation between a pair of tables, can be shown by 1 of the 3 simple line types connecting a Field in 1 table with a Related Field in another.

I then tried the UML Pallete. From what I can see, UML appears overly complex for design of small DB Apps, with many many objects to pick from; again none matching Chen, but some appear to have a similar function, eg 'Association' - but that states it merely 'associates 2 classes, which is not the same as connecting a Field in 1 table with a specific Field in another.   That surely obscures the simple logic of Chen type notation ?

I created a test Dia diagram (attached) containing 2 tables named Books & Authors, with fk AuthorID in Books hopefully linked to pk AuthorID in Authors.  I say hopeful, because the 'Dia Link' appeared to just connect the 2 boxes, not the specific fields in each box.  I need a tool to test the validity of the DB 'model'

Are there any Tutorials showing how to use Dia for design of DB Apps., going from classic ER Diagram to SQL to create the tables in the selected target RDBMS ?

I read Dia has a library of 'plugins' to adapt its functionality to a range of applications.  Where can I find an index to this Dia library, and does it have plugins to adapt it for the various dialects of SQL and functionality particular to the different RDBMS's in use today ?   

I could not find such a list, but came across what appear 12 standalone tools (in https:/live.gnome.org/Dia/Links > 'Tools that generate something from Dia diagrams ) that sound from their names, complement Dia by transforming data from suitably prepared Dia Diagrams into SQL code to build the DB App.  Some say they use 'perl scripts', which I am not familiar with.

Bearing in mind I use only Windows platform, can anyone point to a review of these 12 tools, or recommend which, are nearest to simplify design and documentation of small Database Applications ?    As all RDBMS engines support different subsets & supersets of SQL92, to make App design easier, the tool should support the set of functions implemented by the target RDBMS, i.e. not having to fight shortcomings of the tool.   The target RDBMS I want to design for is HSQLDB.   If no tools exist for using Dia to build HSQLDB tables, it may help if there is one supporting a near relation to HSQLDB.

If Dia is not able to do the above, can anyone recommend a preferably open-source (free) tool closer to this requirement ?

I thank the Dia community for any help on this.