Metadata Importer

If you have an existing database with tables and views already defined, the Metadata Importer lets you bring that structure into ADL without creating everything by hand.

How it works

The import process is straightforward:

1. Extract metadata from your database using a SQL query (samples are provided below).
2. Load the JSON into ADL through the Metadata Importer screen — drag and drop a file, use the open button, or paste the JSON directly into the editor.
3. Review the results — ADL creates the corresponding connections, data objects, and data items in your project.

The importer matches imported items against your existing metadata, so you can also use it to update your project when schemas change.

Sample SQL queries

These queries extract metadata from a SQL Server database in the JSON format ADL expects:

• Import Query for Connections — Extracts database and schema information.
• Import Query for Data Objects — Extracts table/view definitions including columns, data types, and primary keys.

Sample JSON

These are example outputs from running the queries above against the AdventureWorks sample database:

• Sample JSON for Connections
• Sample JSON for Data Objects

Tips

• Import into a fresh project to avoid conflicts with existing metadata.
• Review after importing — You may want to add business keys, classifications, or extensions that aren’t captured in the database schema.
• Customize the queries — The sample SQL is a starting point. Modify it to filter specific schemas or tables, or to extract additional metadata.
• Use the Graph view after importing to visualize your imported data model at a glance.

Related

• Import Existing Metadata (Guide) — A step-by-step walkthrough of the import process
• Data Objects — Review and edit imported objects
• Connections — Review and edit imported connections