- First, you need a Visual Expert project up and running.
If needed, you can find a getting started guide here. - In the treeview, select the item changed.
For instance, a database column. - In the navigation bar, click on “Impact Analysis”
- All the objects using this column are shown in a
container hierarchy, to help find and edit them. - Select 1 object: its code is displayed,
and references to the column are highlighted
Where is a Column used in my SQL Server DB and Transact SQL Code?
A column has changed: what's the impact on my code?
Find all references to a column or table.
Make sure your application never breaks when your Schema evolves.
Which Schemas Depend on the Schema I Am Changing?
A whole schema is changing: start at schema level
When a change affects a whole schema, such as a migration, a split, or a refactoring of shared objects, start with the schema-level macros.
In the Transact-SQL section, select Schemas. In the navigation bar, under Code Documentation, click All Schemas, then select one or more schemas.
Under Cross-References, click:
- Dependencies from other schemas: lists the objects in other schemas that use the selected schemas. It shows which schemas the change could break.
- Dependencies to other schemas: lists the objects in the selected schemas that use other schemas. It shows what the selected schemas rely on.
Then run an impact analysis on each object you plan to change, to see every reference in detail.
See Schema-Level Dependency Analysis.
Which SQL Server Objects are Supported for Impact Analysis?
You can find references to any code item, as long as it belongs to a language supported by Visual Expert: objects, methods, variables, tables, columns, views, procedures, triggers…
Below are some additional examples:
Where is a Function called in SQL Server T-SQL Code?
If I add a parameter to my function: which code should I update?
If the prototype of a Function or Procedure must change,
you can find instantly all the calls to this Function - and update them.
Where is my Variable referenced in SQL Server T-SQL Code?
If my variable changes, which code is affected?
Find all references to a particular variable in your code.
Update your code properly, to avoid negative side effects.
Where is my Data Deleted in SQL Server T-SQL Code?
Which code is deleting / updating / inserting from a table?
Something went wrong? Data is not removed as expected?
Find all the places in your code that are deleting from this table.
