4.3 Schema Browser

The Schema Browser functions as a navigational aid for database administration and query editing. Server Groups, servers, and connections can be renamed and dragged and dropped to organize them. Context sensitive menus are accessible inside the Schema Browser through right-click on schema objects or keyboard shortcut (ALT + DOWN ARROW) once an object is selected. The Schema Browser can be separated or undocked as an individual window as part of the Workspace and Docking Framework of Aqua Data Studio. A tree is used to display database server objects, allowing for rapid location of schema objects. When an object is selected in the Schema Browser the Detail View displays relevant contents or status when it is enabled. Icons for database servers change to indicate whether server connections are connected (green triangle), disconnected (orange vertical bars) or  failed (red block) in the Schema Browser. The icons for server type also vary based on if they are Production (gold gear), Development (gray nodes) or Test (blue bug) servers.  When a scripts directory has been set within a server registration, its contents indicate association with a Source Control or Version Control repository with file status icon overlays: up to date (green circle with a checkmark), out of date (red exclamation point), conflicted (yellow trianlge with exclamation point), or unversioned (no overlay).

For more on how Aqua Data Studio saves connections settings server registrations, and how to share them, see Configuration & Connection Files.

To quickly find an object in the Schema Browser, bring the Schema Browser into focus, then begin typing. The folder or file with the associated name will select as you type. To search for wildcards, begin by typing *. For a more advanced search, use the Object Search feature.

Below is an explanation of the various elements of the Schema Browser in the screenshot.

1. Schema Browser Panel Bar: This handle allows you to pull the Schema Browser from the Main Application Toolbar Menu as a separate window panel.
2. Server Group: Server Groups are containers for registered servers and can be named and rearranged as desired. Dragging a server group moves it from one place to another in the Schema Browser. Servers can be dragged from one Server Group to another and Server Groups can be nested, just like file system directories. Clicking the + next to a Server Group expands or collapses it, revealing its contents.
3. Database Server: Database types have different icons for their connection status and database type, letting you distinguish between development and production quickly. Server icons with green triangles on them indicate currently connected servers. Server icons with yellow rectangles indicate disconnected servers. You give servers their names when first registering them. They can be renamed at any time by editing their Server Properties. Database Servers can be dragged from one group or another for organizational purposes.
4. Scripts Container: When a database allows, you can store database scripts within the server’s Scripts Container. The Scripts Container can be part of a version control repository. Double clicking a file in the Scripts Container automatically opens it in a query window with the specified connection set for it in the Server Registration Properties. Right Clicking a file in the Scripts Container also allows opening it in a new query window.
5. Database: These gold cylinders represent databases within servers. Databases can be Created and Dropped from within the Schema Browser. Right-clicking on objects and databases brings up different menus depending on the object clicked, including Script Object to Window As, Script Object to File As, Tools for Importing and Exporting, Object Search, Schema Script Generator, Server Script Generator and ER Diagram Generator.
6. Database Object: All database objects can be viewed, their contents are displayed in a tree. The objects within a database vary based on vendor and version.
7. Database Tables: Database Objects each have their own icons. This one is a database table.
8. Database Table Information: Displays Columns, Indexes, Constraints, Dependencies and Triggers for a table when available.
9. Servers and Scripts Tab: Clicking on these tabs swaps between the Schema Browser and Scripts Browser.
10. Toggle Docking Button: This button undocks and redocks the Schema Browser.
11. Schema Browser Scroll Bar and Border: When the Servers List expands beyond the window horizontally or vertically, scroll bars appear. The width of the Schema Browser can be resized by dragging the right side of the pane.
12. Full Database Object Path: When an item in the Schema Browser is selected, its full path displays in the Full Database Object Path. This is useful when the objects and containers in the Schema Browser are expanded, letting you determine what object is selected without having to search and change your view of the browser trees.
13. Object Details: When the Details pane is open, it displays the contents of the currently selected Database Object. This is useful for viewing contents without having to expand the items within the Schema Browser.