A graphical entity-relationship database browser

A nonprocedural, graphical entity-relationship database interface, ERBrowser, is presented. ERBrowser runs on a workstation and interacts with VM (virtual machine) host databases via a communications link and a database server. The database schema graph is displayed and with clicks of the mouse buttons, a user is allowed to navigate through a database, make modifications to instances in the database, creates simple reports, perform queries, create new databases, and modify existing databases. The Smalltalk/V object-oriented environment is used for the implementation and provides the ability to separate database information from presentation information clearly and easily. This allows different users to visualize the same schema by a different presentation; a user may tailor the schema graph to match his view or a general presentation format may be used. This presentation is saved and can be later recalled during a new ERBrowser session. Smalltalk/V's high-level built-in graphics capability and standard methods for pop-up menus, windowing, and scrolling provide quick experimentation and fast prototyping.<>