Introduction

Entity Relationship(ER) diagrams are visual representation of the database structure that shows relationship between entities. An entity is a real world object for example student, employee and an entity has attributes. An attribute is characteristic of an entity for example a student can have an ID, name, age.

Creating ER Diagrams in MySQL Workbench

Ensure you have a database with more than one table in MYSQL workbench. In this article, I will be using Sakila database available on MYSQL website.

1. Open MYSQL workbench and login to local host
2. In a new Query Tab run the following command to use sakila database

USE sakila;

1. On the main menu bar Click on Databases

1. click on reverse engineering or use (ctrl R) shortcut command

1. A new window will appear → click on next

1. Enter password to the local host → click on next

1. Choose database to generate an ER diagram which is Sakila for our case → click next

1. click next again

1. Ensure all tables are selected by clicking on show filters button → click execute

1. click next on windows that will appear

1. click Finish and an ER diagram to sakila database will appear

Conclusion

An ER diagram is an essential part of the database design process that reduces redundancy, ensures data integrity, aids in communication and simplifies database management. Designing a clear ER diagram at the start of a project helps prevent errors and ensures that the database system meets both functional and business requirements efficiently.