Mapping your database

Database Navigator is a System i® Navigator function that you can use to visually represent the relationships of database objects on your system. This representation is called a map. In essence, a Database Navigator map is a snapshot of your database and the relationships that exist among all of the objects in the map.

Using Database Navigator, you can explore the complex relationships of your database objects using a graphical representation that presents the tables in your database, the relationships between tables, and indexes and constraints that are attached to tables. The primary workspace for Database Navigator is a window that is divided into several main areas. The map is displayed in the right pane. You can perform a variety of tasks by right-clicking an object. The Locator pane is found on the left side of the window. You can use this pane to locate specific objects to include in the map or to specify a type of object to include in the map.

To access Database Navigator maps, expand the system name, Databases, and the database that you want to use.

To display a list of existing maps in the right pane, click Database Navigator Maps.

To create a new map, right-click Database Navigator Maps and select New > Map.

Tips for using Database Navigator:
  • To change the size of either side of the window, drag the bar (splitter) that separates the two sides.
  • Be sure to right-click the objects on both the left and right sides of the window. The right-click menus give you quick access to common functions.
  • To quickly open a schema and display the objects in it, double-click the schema.
  • To access the various Database Navigator commands, use either the Menu bar or the Toolbar.