Identification of Actors – SQL Query Builder

1. Primary Actors

a. End User (Query Builder User)

• The person interacting directly with the SQL builder interface.
• Could be a data analyst, business user, or developer.

Responsibilities:

• Select tables and columns
• Apply filters, joins, and conditions
• Preview and run queries
• Export results

b. Database Administrator (DBA)

• Manages data source access and permissions.
• May also configure advanced settings or saved queries.

Responsibilities:

• Control user access to schemas/tables
• Monitor query usage
• Optimize performance and resource limits

2. Secondary Actors

a. Database System (External System)

• The target database (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server).
• Interacts with the SQL builder to execute the generated query.

Responsibilities:

• Execute SQL queries
• Return result sets or errors

b. Authentication System (External Service)

• Validates user login and permissions.
• Could be integrated with LDAP, OAuth, etc.

Responsibilities:

• Authenticate users
• Authorize actions based on roles (read-only, admin, etc.)

c. File System / Export Service (Optional)

• Handles exporting query results to CSV, Excel, or other formats.

Responsibilities:

• Generate and store downloadable result files
• Handle user downloads

How to Explain in Class:

• Use simple questions: “Who uses the system?”, “Who interacts with it externally?”
• Map actors to use cases like “run a query”, “save a report”, or “validate login”
• Encourage students to think of both human and software actors