DBML is a readable, open-source language for describing database schemas in text. It can help you document tables and relationships, create an ER diagram, or convert schema definitions to and from supported SQL dialects. It is not a database engine, a migration system, or a general-purpose programming language.
What is DBML?
DBML stands for Database Markup Language. It gives you a compact text format for describing database structure—such as tables, columns, keys, enums, and relationships—and adding documentation to that structure. The official project distinguishes it from Microsoft’s separate DBML XML file extension. DBML project overview.
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Because a DBML file is text, you can keep it alongside application code and review changes with the same tools used for other text files. That is a workflow option, not a guarantee of better collaboration or fewer schema errors. DBML itself does not create or alter a live database.
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A small schema can define tables and a foreign-key relationship like this:
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Table users {
id integer [primary key]
username varchar
}
Table posts {
id integer [primary key]
user_id integer [not null]
title varchar
}
Ref: posts.user_id > users.idThe table blocks describe columns and attributes; the Ref line describes how a column in posts relates to a column in users. The syntax guide also supports project metadata, explicitly named schemas, enums, notes, and reference settings such as cascade, restrict, set null, set default, and no action. See the DBML syntax guide.
Relationships and cardinality
DBML uses symbols such as >, <, and <> to express relationship direction and cardinality. A many-to-many relationship can be represented with <> or as two many-to-one relationships. Those descriptions can map differently to physical SQL design when exported, so check the resulting schema rather than assuming the notation creates the same tables in every form.
Notes and example records
DBML can include notes and other visualization-oriented annotations that help explain a table or column. These are useful for diagrams or documentation, but the official guide says they have no SQL equivalent. Example records can also be included for illustration; records marked [example] remain in DBML output but are excluded from SQL INSERT statements during export. Do not treat them as production data.
How do I convert SQL to DBML?
For a supported SQL dialect, use DBML tooling to import schema DDL into DBML. The official ecosystem lists @dbml/core for parsing and conversion in Node.js or a browser, and @dbml/cli for command-line conversion and schema pulls. The exact command and required database connection details depend on the tool and workflow; follow the current package documentation linked from the official DBML site.
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Importing SQL DDL is distinct from connecting to a live database. A connector extracts schema information from a supported database; it is not the same capability as importing an SQL file. The official project lists support by database and operation, rather than a single universal compatibility promise.
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Can DBML generate SQL?
Yes. DBML tooling can export DBML to SQL DDL for supported database types. This produces schema-definition SQL; it does not by itself deploy changes, manage migrations, or replace the checks needed before applying a schema to a real database. Review the generated SQL for your target database and manage deployment through your normal database workflow.
What databases does DBML support?
The official DBML capability matrix, as listed on October 7, 2026, distinguishes SQL import, SQL export, and live schema connectors. These entries describe the listed DBML packages, not every third-party tool, and may change.
| Database | SQL import to DBML | DBML export to SQL | Connector for schema extraction |
|---|---|---|---|
| PostgreSQL | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| MySQL | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| MSSQL / SQL Server | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Oracle | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Snowflake | Yes | No | Yes |
| BigQuery | No | No | Yes |
For current package and database details, check the official DBML ecosystem page before choosing a workflow. In particular, connector support does not imply that SQL import or SQL export is available for the same database.
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Use a DBML-compatible diagramming tool. The DBML ecosystem includes dbdiagram, which describes itself as a free tool for drawing ER diagrams by writing code. You can enter or import a DBML schema and use the resulting diagram to inspect tables and relationships. DBML is also used by documentation tools such as dbdocs, while community editor integrations offer other ways to work with .dbml files. See the official ecosystem listing and dbdiagram introduction.
The official project reports 2.5 million DBML documents created via dbdiagram.io and dbdocs.io as of February 2025. That is a project-published usage figure, not independent market research. DBML project overview.
When is DBML a good fit?
- For text-based schema documentation: describe tables and relationships in a file that can be reviewed alongside code.
- For a quick ER diagram: turn a written schema into a visual view using a compatible diagramming tool.
- For table and column explanations: add notes for documentation or diagram tools, while recognizing that those annotations do not translate to SQL.
- For supported conversions: import SQL DDL into DBML or export DBML as SQL DDL when the target database and operation are listed as supported.
- For schema extraction: use a connector where available, checking connector support separately from import and export.
DBML is one representation of a schema, not a universal replacement for SQL DDL, ORM models, visual ERD editors, or migration workflows. The right choice depends on whether you need source-controlled text, a diagram, searchable documentation, or a particular database conversion path.
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