Illustrating Code: CRUD matrices

Starting a new project is always a challenge, and hundreds of uncommented code lines and undefined object references only make matters worse.

To dive right in it within days, not weeks, use a CRUD matrix, which demonstrates high-level references between procedures and database objects through the operations that can be applied to them. CRUD is an acronym which refers to major functions of relational databases, which are Create, Read, Update, Delete and in SQL translation: INSERT, SELECT, UPDATE, DELETE, respectively.

In ClearSQL, CRUD matrices display lists of stored objects (standalone procedure, standalone function, package subprogram, trigger) and corresponding scripts from within the selected data object (table, view) called by DML operations (INSERT, SELECT, UPDATE, DELETE) where the object takes part. By the way, the list of data objects can be detected by the Code Analyzer, another useful trick for sourcing code to identify possible error prone procedures, recognize certain code constructs and to generate diagrams.

CRUD matrices are not used only for the first steps though. It is an excellent tool for estimating complexity of your code and the effort to maintain it or to implement a specific project. It is also helpful for consistency analysis of functional requirements and performance problems detection.

Generation of CRUD matrices is supported by all the Conquest products.