How do I follow T-SQL transactions?
Are there any programs that will allow you to execute sql transaction to the end? For example, let's say I inherited a fairly complex sql database with a data dictionary. The data dictionary is pretty good, but not as good as saying SQL Doc. I took a look at the Red Gate Dependency Tracker, and while it does a very good job of combining things (triggers, stored procedures, tables, views, etc.), it still does nothing to follow a transaction through various tracks. ...
What I would like is a software that will allow me to enter a transaction and base on everyone in my db, visually display it so I can see what is going on during the transaction. Does this make sense or do I need to clarify?
Edited for development: . While the answers below were very good, this is not really what I'm looking for. The front end of the sql database was built with PowerBuilder. I can use SqlSpy during input and it helps to keep track of transactions, but this is all t-sql and, as you can imagine, the output outputs. I'm looking for something that will do the same, but render it visually with the ability to cut out details if I want to.
source to share
SQL Profiler will allow you to track a transaction and see exactly what is happening. It is very flexible and only allows you to show the events you are interested in, but it does not display it in the tree format that I think you are asking about.
The profiler is installed as part of the SQL Server client tools (along with Enterprise Manager and Query Analyzer).
source to share
I think if this way is doable. You can set up a test environment and execute a transaction. After submitting the transaction, compare the database in the test environment with the prodution database.
You can use any tool for this comparison. Like OpenDBDiff, or you can googling for another tool.
source to share