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DbSketch

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What DbSketch is

DbSketch is a command-line tool that turns a live relational database schema into documentation that can be kept under version control. It reads tables, columns, primary keys, and foreign keys from SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, and SQLite, then produces Graphviz DOT, Mermaid ER, or Markdown files containing diagram text. A YAML configuration specifies one database connection and can name multiple diagram targets, each with its own output and renderer settings. DbSketch can include native database comments where supported, with YAML overrides available, and its DOT output connects foreign keys to their specific columns. The maker identifies repository documentation, CI workflows, and compact schema context for people and AI coding assistants as uses for the tool. It is distributed as the .NET tool DimonSmart.DbSketch, which installs the `dbsketch` command; the getting-started guide requires the .NET 10 SDK. It is free, MIT-licensed, self-hosted, and available for Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Who it suits

DbSketch suits developers who want reviewable schema diagrams in a repository or CI workflow, and people preparing compact schema context for AI coding assistants. It supports relational databases on Linux, macOS, and Windows.

What it does well

  • Reads four relational database types.
  • Produces DOT, Mermaid ER, or Markdown output.
  • One configuration can define multiple diagram targets.
  • Can include native comments and YAML overrides.
  • Free and MIT-licensed.

What to know first

  • Requires the .NET 10 SDK.
  • Self-hosted; no managed deployment is listed.

Plans

PlanBilled and limitsPrice
DbSketchMIT-licensed softwareFree

As github.com lists them, read 4 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Getting started

  1. Install the .NET 10 SDK.
  2. Install the .NET tool DimonSmart.DbSketch to get the `dbsketch` command.
  3. Create a YAML configuration with one database connection.
  4. Add any named diagram targets and their output and renderer settings.
  5. Run DbSketch against the configured database to generate documentation.

Verdict

DbSketch covers schema documentation from four database types, with several output formats and per-diagram settings. Its command-line approach and .NET 10 requirement are important to account for before adopting it.

Questions

Is DbSketch free?

Yes. The listed plan is free, and the software is MIT-licensed.

Which databases does it support?

It reads schema details from SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, and SQLite.

What formats can it generate?

It generates Graphviz DOT, Mermaid ER, or Markdown files with diagram text in a fenced code block.

Which operating systems can run DbSketch?

It is listed for Linux, macOS, and Windows.

How is DbSketch installed?

It is distributed as the .NET tool DimonSmart.DbSketch, which installs the `dbsketch` command. The getting-started guide requires the .NET 10 SDK.

Who makes DbSketch?

The repository is maintained by DimonSmart and welcomes issues and pull requests, including provider, renderer, and documentation improvements.

Facts from DbSketch's own pages

Comments
It can include native database comments where supported and apply YAML comment overrides. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Configuration
DbSketch uses a YAML configuration file with one database connection and optional named diagram targets. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Database providers
It reads tables, columns, primary keys, and foreign keys from SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, and SQLite. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Distribution
DbSketch is distributed as the .NET tool DimonSmart.DbSketch, which installs the dbsketch command. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Intended users
The maker says DbSketch is for humans and AI coding assistants that need a compact, reviewable schema snapshot. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
License
The repository provides DbSketch under the MIT License. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Multiple diagrams
One configuration can generate multiple focused diagrams with per-diagram output and renderer settings. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Output formats
It generates Graphviz DOT, Mermaid ER, or Markdown files wrapping diagram text in a fenced code block. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Purpose
DbSketch is a command-line documentation generator that turns live database schemas into version-controlled schema documentation. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Relationships
The DOT renderer preserves precise column-to-column foreign-key edges. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Requirement
The getting-started guide says to install the .NET 10 SDK before installing or running DbSketch. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Security and data handling
The documentation shows database connection strings supplied through configuration or environment-variable placeholders; it does not state a security certification or compliance claim. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Support
The maker welcomes issues and pull requests, including provider, renderer, and documentation improvements. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Use cases
The maker describes DbSketch as useful for repository documentation, CI, and compact schema context for AI coding assistants. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026

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