How to convert a SQL Server database (including procedures, functions and triggers) to Firebird

Question

I am considering migrating to Firebird. To have a "quick start" approach I downloaded the trial of a conversion tool (DBConvert) and tried it.

I just picked up a random tool, this tool doesn't convert procedures, functions and triggers (I don't think it is a limit of the trial since there is not an explicit reference to sp, sf and triggers in the link above).

Anyway by trying that tool I had the message:

The DB cannot be converted successfully because some FK names are too long.

This is because in some tables I have FK whose description is > 32 chars.

Is this a real Firebird limit or it is possible to overcome it somehow (of course renaming the FK is an extreme option because it is extra work)?

Anyway how to convert a SQL Server database fully to Firebird? Is there a valid tool? Did someone succeed in a conversion of non trivial databases?

Answer 1

I doubt you'll be able to just "convert" that all. Firebird/Interbase and Microsoft SQL Server use quite different data types, their SQL language dialect is somewhat different, and so forth.

You could probably get a 60-80% conversion - but the rest will always be manual effort that's needed.

If your conversion fails just because of those FK constraints: drop those in SQL Server before the conversion, and re-create them on the Firebird side after conversion.

Or: drop them in SQL Server and re-create them with shorter names, and then do the conversion.

Answer 2

You can use some tools like Interbase Datapump and you can also check this

For size of FK : you have to rename them :(

You can also try to make this with Database Worbench

Answer 3

I know two more tools that might help you in the conversion.

The ESF Database Migration Toolkit link text

and the DeZign for Databases link text