"Data Dictionary" for database updates

[joe.kimbler]

What is the best way to handle updates in databases with each release
of a software package? I used to work on an accounting package in
FoxPro that had a "Data Dictionary" and as your code required changes
to the database per release, you'd update the Data Dictionary.

When you wanted to create a new database, it would create it
completely from the data dictionary. If you already had a functional
database and the new release required adjustments to fields, indexes,
tables, etc...the Data Dictionary would make the updates.

It took a lot of code to carry out the data dictionary. I'm wondering
if there are programming resources out ther (articles, software
samples or components) that carry out something like this function.

Thanks.

-Joe

 

[jkimbler]

I should also add that I am looking at using either Microsoft SQL
Server 2005 Express or Firebird SQL. Not sure yet.

-Joe

 

[RobinS]

What is the best way to handle updates in databases with each release
of a software package? I used to work on an accounting package in
FoxPro that had a "Data Dictionary" and as your code required changes
to the database per release, you'd update the Data Dictionary.

When you wanted to create a new database, it would create it
completely from the data dictionary. If you already had a functional
database and the new release required adjustments to fields, indexes,
tables, etc...the Data Dictionary would make the updates.

It took a lot of code to carry out the data dictionary. I'm wondering
if there are programming resources out ther (articles, software
samples or components) that carry out something like this function.

Thanks.

-Joe

Generally speaking, you can write a program to update the structure of a
SQLServer database. I would think the same would apply for keys and
indeces, although I haven't done that.

Robin S.