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Extracting validation rules and constraints from databases for documentation typically requires manual exports or complex queries against system catalogs that quickly become outdated.
Here’s how to create live-updating constraint documentation in Excel that automatically reflects database changes.
Extract constraint metadata directly to Excel using Coefficient
Coefficient connects directly to database system catalogs where constraint and validation rule information is stored, providing live-updating constraint documentation in Excel. This eliminates manual export processes while ensuring accuracy.
How to make it work
Step 1. Connect Coefficient to your database using the appropriate connector.
Use MySQL, PostgreSQL, or MS SQL connectors to access your database. This gives you direct access to system tables where constraint information is stored.
Step 2. Query constraint system tables to extract comprehensive rule information.
Target tables like INFORMATION_SCHEMA.TABLE_CONSTRAINTS, INFORMATION_SCHEMA.CHECK_CONSTRAINTS, and platform-specific constraint catalogs. These queries extract primary keys, foreign key relationships, check constraints, unique constraints, and not null constraints.
Step 3. Create filtered imports to organize constraints by type or table.
Set up separate imports for different constraint types or organize by table. This makes the documentation easier to navigate and allows teams to focus on specific constraint categories.
Step 4. Schedule automated refresh to keep constraint documentation current.
Configure automatic refreshes so your constraint documentation reflects database changes without manual intervention. This is crucial for compliance and development documentation that needs to stay accurate.
Step 5. Add calculated fields using Formula Auto Fill Down.
Apply formulas like “Constraint Count per Table” or “Validation Rule Complexity” that automatically extend to new rows during refreshes. This provides additional insights into your constraint landscape.
Maintain accurate constraint documentation automatically
This approach provides real-time constraint documentation that automatically reflects database changes, eliminating manual export processes while ensuring accuracy for compliance and development needs. Get started with automated constraint documentation today.
