Online Documentation for SQL Manager for InterBase/Firebird

EMS SQL Manager FAQ


Please read this page attentively if you have questions about EMS SQL Manager for InterBase/Firebird.

 

Table of contents

 

Product questions

 

Common questions

 

Export/Import questions

 

 

Question/answer list

 

Product questions

 

Q: What is EMS SQL Manager for InterBase/Firebird?

A: EMS SQL Manager for InterBase/Firebird is a powerful tool for InterBase/Firebird administration and development. SQL Manager for InterBase/Firebird works with Firebird server versions up to 4.0 and InterBase server versions up to 2020, and supports all of the latest InterBase/Firebird features. It offers plenty of powerful tools for experienced users to satisfy all their needs. SQL Manager for InterBase/Firebird has a new state-of-the-art graphical user interface with well-described wizard system, so clear in use that even a newbie will not be confused with it.

 

Q: What is the difference between Full/Lite editions of EMS SQL Manager for InterBase/Firebird?

A: These editions of SQL Manager differ in price and features. To register SQL Manager for InterBase/Firebird, see the Purchase page, and to learn about the difference in features please go to our Feature Matrix page.

 

Q: What do I need to start working with EMS SQL Manager for InterBase/Firebird?

A: First of all, you must have an opportunity to connect to some local or remote InterBase/Firebird server. Besides, you need your workstation to satisfy the system requirements of SQL Manager for InterBase/Firebird.

 

Q: What is the difference between the Export/Import functions in SQL Manager and the Data Export/Import utilities?

A: The Data Export/Import for InterBase/Firebird utilities include some additional features which are not available in SQL Manager, such as:

  • export/import data from/to several tables simultaneously;
  • export/import data from/to tables selected from different databases on one host;
  • a command-line utility to export/import data using the configuration file with all the export/import options.

 

Q: What is the difference between the Design Query module in SQL Manager and the SQL Query for InterBase/Firebird utility?

A: First of all, SQL Query for InterBase/Firebird works faster as it is a much lighter product. Besides, it provides additional features for query building, e.g.:

  • keeping query history which allows you to rollback to any edited query;
  • various interface improvements for more productive and easier work.

 

Q: What is the difference between the Extract Database function in SQL Manager for InterBase/Firebird and the DB Extract for InterBase/Firebird standalone utility?

A: The DB Extract for InterBase/Firebird utility includes some additional features which are not available in SQL Manager, such as:

  • extracting metadata and/or data from several databases on one host;
  • a console application for performing extract in one-touch;
  • faster extraction speed.

 

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Common questions

 

Q: I can't modify DDL. Why?

A: The DDL tab of the SQL Manager editors is read-only. It displays object structure as SQL text and reflects the operations you perform over the object under other editor tabs. To modify an object, you can copy the text to the clipboard and edit it using Execute Script Editor. For more details refer to Viewing object DDL structure.

 

Q: How can I customize data formats in grid?

A: You can customize all display formats: integer, float, date, time and datetime using the Color & Formats page of the Environment Options dialog.

 

Q: I need to perform some changes in database objects of my test database and then make the same changes on master database. Are there any tools for this purpose in SQL Manager for InterBase/Firebird?

A: The Database Registration Info dialog provides the Logs section where you can enable logging metadata changes performed over the database and/or SQL queries executed in Query data.

 

Q: When I create database objects, their names are always converted to lower case. How I can prevent it?

A: Please try to switch off the "Convert created objects' names to lower case" option within the Object Editors section of the Environment Options dialog.

 

Q: I am trying to create a report in Report Designer, but I can't get access to the table data: 'Band data source' list is empty.

A: It is recommended to use Create Report wizard which is run by right-clicking the Reports node in DB Explorer and selecting the 'New Report...' context menu item. The wizard will create all necessary data sources.

If you still want to use Report Designer, to get the data source in a report, you need to add database and query components to the report.

 

Q: How can I speed up my work with large tables?

A: For your convenience and to speed up your work, the Data Grid allows customizing a number of data display parameters. Here are the most important of them (accessible through the Grid | Data Options section of the Environment Options dialog):
- Limit options in table and view editors. The 'Select all records of a table' option will enable you to see all table records without extra references to the server, yet in case of large tables or low speed connection channel the data may be fetched with huge delays and the incoming traffic might grow considerably. This mode is recommended when working with local databases or in a private network. The 'Select only' mode restricts the maximum number of records returned after the query. A man cannot process a massive amount of information at once. Hence, we came up with this mode. This mode speeds up table data viewing considerably, prevents hanging and connection timeout. It is recommended to work with large tables, in case of low speed connection channels and when the traffic volume is of importance. This is the default mode. When in this mode, enabling the 'Use SQL sorting in data view' and 'Use SQL filter in data view' options comes really helpful.
- Default Grid Mode. This option defines whether the requested rows will be loaded in the Grid all at once ('Load all rows'), or in parts ('Load visible rows') as the user scrolls down table data. The first mode increases the query opening time, but speeds up scrolling. In the second mode the query opens very fast, but there might be delays when navigating the grid.
- Use SQL sorting in data view. With this option enabled, when the user sets data sorting, a new request is sent to the server, and the result is shown anew in the Grid. Enabling this option is very helpful with the 'Select only' mode enabled, but it increases the traffic. When this option is disabled, sorting is made on the client computer without any references to the server but only loaded data are sorted. That is, if you set 'Select only 1,000 records', then only these records will be sorted.
- Use SQL filter in data view. With this option enabled, the data will be sorted on the server to which a new request is sent, and the result will be shown anew in the Grid. Enabling this option is also helpful when the 'Select only' mode is on, but it increases the traffic. When this option is disabled, the filtering is made on the client computer without any references to the server but only loaded data are filtered. That is, if you set 'Select only 1,000 records', then only these records will be filtered.
We recommend that you set the following option values to achieve maximum efficiency when working with large tables:
- Select only – ON
- Load visible rows – ON
- Use SQL sorting in data view – ON
- Use SQL filter in data view – ON

 

Q: I have a table with appr. 1000 records only, and a large number of fields. Opening this table on the 'Data' tab takes too much time.

A: You need to set the Grid Mode for the table to 'Load Visible Rows'. Please right click within the table grid and select the 'Grid Mode' | 'Load Visible Rows' context menu item.

 

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Export/Import questions

 

Q: I'm trying to export data from a table, but BLOB fields are not exported.

A: Fields of type BLOB are not exported by default. You should select these fields manually at the Selecting fields for export step.

 

Q: What is the difference between the "Extract Database" and "Export as Execute Script" functions?

A: Export as SQL Script is intended for exporting table data that will be inserted into a database system other than InterBase/Firebird. Use Extract Database Wizard to copy metadata and/or data to a database on InterBase/Firebird afterwards.

 

Q: How can I change the default directory where exported data are saved?

A: Follow the steps below to change the default directory:

1. Right-click the database alias in DB Explorer and select the 'Database Registration Info...' context menu item (you can also find this item in the 'Database' main menu) to open the Database Registration Info dialog.

2. Proceed to the Directories section within the dialog.

3. Set the 'Default directory for Export Data'.

 

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If you still have any questions, contact us at our Support Center.